SABBATH. SCHOOL LESSON
LESSONS FROM THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS
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Introduction
We may learn much from the lives of truly great men.
Biography, especially when penned under the guidance of
the Holy Spirit, is an inspiring and ennobling study, for
it directly tends to reproduce in the lives of the students
the excellencies which it records. The successes and
achievements of the patriarchs, together with their faults
and failures, are alike profitable to us ; for, in the lan-
guage of the apostle Paul: "All these things happened
unto them for ensamples : and they are written for our
admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come."
1 Cor. 10:11.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
JUNE 27, 1953
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Copyright, 1953, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
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Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
LESSONS FROM THE LIVES OF THE PATRIARCHS
Lesson 1, for April 4, 1953
The Father of Our Race
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 2 and 3.
MEMORY VERSE:
"God said, Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness:
and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the
air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing
that creepeth upon the earth." Gen. 1:26.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 44-62.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of the lesson, based
on outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-5.
3.
Ques. 6-9; memorize Gen. 1:26.
4.
Ques. 10-14.
5.
Ques. 15-17; review Memory Verse.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 44-62.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
The
name Adam
is also translated
man.
When God created animal life, He said, "Let
the waters bring forth;" and again, "Let
the earth bring forth."
But
in the crown-
ing act of creation He stated, "Let Us make
man in Our image, after Our likeness."
In
many respects life in the lower animals is
similar to human life; yet in man there is
a more complicated organism, a delicacy of
structure, a nicety of arrangement, and a
far more marvelous adaptation of the var-
ious members to their specific offices and
functions. In his body, mind, and soul God
designed that Adam (man) should reveal
the perfection, the image, and the likeness
of his Creator.
Lesson
Outline:
I. The Father of Our Race
1. Created by God in His own image.
Gen. 2:7; 1:27.
2.
The Garden of Eden man's home.
Gen. 2:8; 3:2.
3.
Only one restriction to his liberty.
Gen. 2:17; 3:3.
II. The Enemy of Our Race
1.
Satan, as a serpent, beguiles man.
Gen. 3:1, 6.
2.
Man's dominion lost, Satan cursed.
Gen. 3:14, 15.
3.
Christ, the last Adam, recovers man
and restores his dominion. 1 Cor.
15:45, 47 ; Rom. 5:19.
Key Thought:
On the
very day of man's apostasy, the
first Messianic prophecy was announced.
Gen. 3:15. These words foreshadow the
mighty conflict of the ages; and while Satan
plots the ruin of the human race, Christ's
supreme sacrifice ensures the redemption of
the penitent and the final triumph of right.
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WHICH IS YOUR
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THE LESSON
In the Beginning
1.
What was the origin of the first
inhabitant of our globe? Gen. 2:7.
Compare Luke 3:38.
NOTE.—"The genealogy of our race, as
given by Inspiration, traces back its origin,
not to a line of developing germs, mollusks,
and quadrupeds, but to the great Creator.
Though formed from the dust, Adam was
`the son of God.'
"—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 45.
2.
In whose image and likeness
was man created? Gen. 1:27.
NoTE.—"As Adam came forth from the
hand of his Creator he was of noble height
and of beautiful symmetry. He was more
than twice as tall as men now living, upon
the earth, and was well proportioned. . . .
Eve was not quite as tall as Adam. Her head
reached a little above his shoulders. She,
too, was noble, perfect in symmetry, and
very beautiful."—Ellen G. White,
The Story
of Redemption,
page 21.
3.
How does the Bible describe the
original Paradise? Gen. 2:8, 9.
4.
Why, and by what means, did
the Creator provide a helpmeet for
Adam? Gen. 2:21-24.
5.
What delightful task was ap-
pointed for our first princely ances-
tors? Gen. 2:15.
NOTE.—"To the dwellers in Eden was
committed the care of the garden, 'to dress
it and to keep it.' Their occupation was not
wearisome, but pleasant and invigorating.
God appointed labor as a blessing to man,
to occupy his mind, to strengthen his body,
and to develop his faculties. In mental and
physical activity, Adam found one of the
highest pleasures of his holy existence."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 50.
6.
To sustain their physical needs,
what ideal diet was provided for
Adam and Eve? Gen. 1:29; 2:16.
NOTE.—"In order to know what are the
best foods, we must study God's, original
plan for man's diet. He who created man
and who understands his needs appointed
Adam his food. 'Behold,' He said, 'I have
given you every herb yielding seed, . . .
and every tree, in which is the fruit of a
tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for
food.' . . .
•
"Grains, fruits, nuts; and vegetables con-
stitute the diet chosen for us by our Creator.
These foods, prepared in as simple and
natural a manner as possible, are the most
healthful and nourishing.
he
y
impart a
strength, a power of endurance, and a vigor
of intellect, that are not afforded by a more
complex and stimulating
diet."—The Min-
istry of Healing,
pages 295, 296.
7.
That they might not forget the
Creator and His marvelous handi-
work, what memorial was estab-
lished? Gen. 2:2, 3; Ps. 111:4.
NorE.—"The Sabbath, as a memorial of
God's creative power, points to Him as the
maker of the heavens and the earth. Hence
it is a constant witness to His existence and
a reminder of His greatness, His wisdom,
and His love. Had the Sabbath always been
sacredly observed, there could never have
been an atheist or an idolater."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 336.
The Temptation and Fall
8.
As a test of loyalty and obedi-
ence, what single restriction was
placed upon the activities and desires
of Adam and Eve? Gen. 2:17. (See
margin.)
NoTE.—"Our first parents, though created
innocent and holy, were not placed beyond
the possibility of wrongdoing. . . . God
might have created man without the power
to trangress His law; He might have with-
held the hand of Adam from touching the
forbidden fruit; but in that case man would
have been, not a free moral agent, but a
mere automaton. Without freedom of
choice, his obedience would not have been
voluntary, but forced."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
pages 48, 49.
9.
Relate the tragic story of the
temptation and fall. Gen. 3:1-7.
NoTE.—"The warning given to our first
parents—'In the day that thou eatest there-
of thou shalt surely die'—did not imply that
they were to die on the very day when they
partook of the forbidden fruit. But on that
day the irrevocable sentence would be pro-
nounced. Immortality was promised them
on condition of obedience; by transgression
they would forfeit eternal life. That very
day they would be doomed to death."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 60.
10.
What conversation ensued be-
tween the Creator and the guilty pair?
Gen. 3:8-13.
11.
Because of his part in their
downfall, what curse was
,
pronounced
upon the deceiver? Gen. 3:14.
12.
Before announcing the penalty
for man's disobedience, what proph-
ecy of a Saviour and promise of ulti-
mate victory was given? Gen. 3:15.
13.
As a consequence of his sin,
what changed conditions would
Adam face in the earth itself? In his
labors? Concerning his diet? Gen.
3:17-19.
NCYfE.—"When,
as a result of his disobe-
dience, he was driven from his beautiful
home, and forced to struggle with a stub-
born soil to gain his daily bread, that very
labor, although widely different from his
pleasant occupation in the garden, was a
safeguard against temptation, and a source
of happiness."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 50.
14.
Following the exit from Eden,
what is recorded of Adam's family
and of his life span? Gen. 3:22-24; 4:
1, 2; 5:3-5.
The Two Adams
15.
Because of Adam's trangres-
sion, what vital losses were incurred?
Rom. 5:12; Luke 4:6.
5
16.
What provision was made to
recover that which was lost? 1 Cor.
15:45, 47; Luke 19:10.
17.
Through the merits of the last
Adam, how completely will the res-
toration be accomplished? Rom. 5:
19; 6:23; Micah 4:8.
NOTE.—"In the final restitution, when
there shall be 'a new heaven and a new
earth,' it is to be restored more gloriously
adorned than at the beginning. Then they
that have kept God's commandments shall
breathe in immortal vigor beneath the tree
of life; and through unending ages the in-
habitants of sinless worlds shall behold, in
that garden of delight, a sample of the per-
fect work of God's creation, untouched by
the curse of sin,—a sample of what the
whole earth would have become, had man
but fulfilled the Creator's glorious plan."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 62. Read
The Great Controversy,
page 647 (1950 ed.
pp. 637, 639).
Illustration:
To create a man, a world, a universe, was
a mighty miracle. To re-create and trans-
form a human heart is equally marvelous.
Christ declares, "I make all things new;"
and, behold, the drunkard becomes sober,
the profligate pure; the thief becomes hon-
est and industrious, the murderer a meek
and humble Christian; while the cannibal
becomes a child of God, and the bandit
chieftain a preacher of the gospel.
This amazing miracle of grace Christ
longs to perform for every repentant, trust-
ing child.
Lesson 2, for April 11, 1953
The Antediluvian Patriarchs
LESSON SCRIPTURE: Genesis 4 and 5.
MEMORY VERSE: "The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon
them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto children's children." Ps. 103:17.
STUDY HELP: "Patririrchs and Prophets," pages 71-89.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of the lesson, based
on outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-8; memorize Ps. 103:17.
4.
Ques. 9, 10; review Memory Verse.
5.
Ques. 11-13.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 71-89.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
Prior to the great Flood, the life span of
men and women was measured by centu-
ries. "Had that long-lived people, with
their rare powers to plan and execute, de-
voted themselves to the service of God, they
would have made their Creator's name a
praise in the earth, and would have an-
swered the purpose for which He gave them
life. But they failed to do this. There were
many giants, men of great stature and
strength, renowned for wisdom, skillful in
devising the most cunning and wonderful
works; but their guilt in giving loose rein
to iniquity was in proportion to their skill
and mental
ability."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 90.
[ 6 ]
Lesson Outline:
I. The Antediluvian Era
1.
Lasted for about 1,650 years.
2.
"Mighty men" and "men of re-
nown" in those days. Gen. 6:4.
3.
Average age of patriarchs, except
Enoch, a little more than 900
years.
H. Events of Significance
1.
First sacrificial offerings and crude
worship. Gen. 4:3, 4.
2.
First two murders, and first polyg-
amy. Gen. 4:8, 19, 23.
3.
World's first city, great art and sci-
entific advances. Gen. 4:17, 22.
III. Good and Evil in Conflict
1.
Social relations result in widespread
wickedness. Gen. 6:1-5.
2.
Enoch, an outstanding man of God.
Gen. 5:22.
3.
Enoch prophesies of Christ. Jude
14, 15.
Key Thought:
When men are unwilling "to retain God
in their knowledge," they naturally drift
into paganism, wickedness, and crime. Rom.
1:21-28.
When individuals like Enoch, though sur-
rounded by sin, develop pure, unblemished,
beautiful characters, it is because unshaken
faith in God enables them to endure "as see-
ing Him who is invisible." Heb. 11:5, 27.
THE LESSON
Cain and Abel
1.
Who were the first children born
into this world? As they reached
young manhood, what occupation did
each choose? Gen. 4:1, 2.
2.
What offerings to the Lord did
each present, and how were they re-
ceived? Gen. 4:3-5; Heb. 11:4.
NoTE.—"Cain and Abel represent two
classes that will exist in the world till the
close of time. One class avail themselves of
the appointed sacrifice for sin ; the other
venture to depend upon their own merits."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 72, 73.
"Cain was the first rationalist. Not feel-
ing any burden of sin, not recognizing any
fall, he can see no need of any offering of
atonement for sin."—J. G. Butler,
The Bi-
ble-Work, vol.
1, p. 206.
3.
When Cain became angry, what
compassionate appeal did the loving
Father make to the blindly stubborn
youth? Gen. 4:6, 7.
NoTE.—Certain Hebrew scholars suggest
that the text might be rendered, "A sin of-
fering lieth at the door." In other words:
"There is a lamb nearby. How easy it
would be to obey the divine instructions,
and be at peace with God and man!" How-
ever, in the American Revised Version the
translation reads, "Sin coucheth at the
door," the inference being that sin, like a
cruel, ravenous monster, was stealthily ly-
ing wait at the heart's door. Here is a dread
warning against our subtle, implacable foe.
But another, even Jesus, stands at the door.
Only bid Him enter, and the enemy is
speedily vanquished.
4.
How did the argument between
the two young men terminate? What
was the underlying cause of Cain's ex-
treme jealousy and crime? Gen. 4:8;
1 John 3:12.
NoTE.—As Abel stands in God's hall of
fame as first in the company of noble mar-
tyrs, so Cain leads in the ignoble army of
persecutors and murderers. He manifested
the same "spirit that through all the ages
has set up the stake and kindled the burn-
ing pile for the disciples of Christ. But the
cruelties heaped upon the follower of Jesus
are instigated by. Satan and his hosts be-
[7
7
cause they cannot force him to submit to
their control. It is the rage of a vanquished
foe. Every martyr of Jesus has died a con-
queror."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 77.
5.
How did the Lord deal with the
world's first murderer? Gen. 4:9-15.
Compare Ps. 103:10, 11.
NoTE.—"In sparing the life of the first
murderer, God presented before the whole
universe a lesson bearing upon the great
controversy. The dark history of Cain and
his descendants was an illustration of what
would have been the result of permitting
the sinner to live on forever, to carry out
his rebellion against
God."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 78.
Sons of Men and Sons of God
6.
What is the record of Cain's sub-
sequent life and his posterity? Gen.
4:16-24.
Nora.—The antediluvians were both
physical and intellectual giants. In the arts
and sciences the descendants of Cain made
phenomenal progress. But in their pride
and worldly wisdom they became lawless
and corrupt. While Enoch, the seventh
from Adam among the men of faith, de-
veloped rare piety and devotion, Lamech,
the seventh from Adam in the line of Cain,
became both murderer and polygamist. His
short verse dedicated to his two wives, evi-
dently the oldest poem in existence, ex-
presses no remorse for his crime. See Gene-
sis 4:23, 24, Smith and Goodspeed.
7.
Following the apostasy of Cain
and the death of Abel, what son was
given to gladden the home of our
first parents? Gen. 4:25.
NOTE.—Some Bible commentators give
the following on the meaning of the name
Seth:
William Smith,
A Dictionary of the
Bible,
says that
Seth
means "appointed,
put." Ellicott says, "appointed, substituted."
Lange says, "Seth may denote compensa-
tion for Abel,—one who comes in the place
of Abel."
8.
What event in the life of Seth
appears as the occasion for a revival
of true religion? Gen. 4:26.
NoTE.—Many parents who look into the
innocent face of their first-born are thrilled
anew with love to the Creator and sense an
awakening responsibility to God and the
treasured child.
9.
Enumerate the patriarchs from
Adam to Noah. Gen. 5:3-31.
NoTE.—Observe the expression repeated
in every instance save one, "And he died"—
a sad commentary emphasizing the sentence
placed upon Adam, and reminding us that
"death reigned from Adam to Moses." Rom.
5:14.
10.
In the era prior to the Flood,
what two classes of men peopled the
earth? What is said of the social in-
tercourse between them? Gen. 6:2-4.
[8
1
NorE.—"For some time the two classes
remained separate. . . . But in the lapse of
'time . . . many of the worshipers of God
were beguiled into sin by the allurements
that were now constantly before them, and
they lost their peculiar, holy character.
Mingling with the depraved, they became
like them in spirit and in deeds; the restric-
tions of the seventh commandment were
disregarded, 'and they took them wives of
all which they
chose.' "—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 81.
Walking With God
11.
At a time of almost universal
impiety and lawlessness, what re-
markable demonstration of true con-
secration was revealed in a human
life? Gen. 5:21, 22.
NoTE.—It is interesting to observe that
for approximately three hundred years
Adam and Enoch were contemporaries, and
what wonderful communion they must have
enjoyed together! How inspiring also to
contemplate Enoch's radiant Christian
character! "The altar may vary, the ritual
may change, the priesthood may pass; . . .
the tabernacle may take the place of the
patriarchal tent, and the temple may super-
sede the tabernacle, only in its turn to be
superseded by the spiritual system of the
gospel; yet, amid all these mutations, those
deep experiences of men's souls which con-
stitute the true springs of their religious life
have been the same."—J. G. Butler,
The Bi-
ble-Work, vol.
1, pp. 224, 225.
12.
What rare and special honor
was accorded to this man of faith?
Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5.
NOTE.—"For three centuries he had
walked with God. Day by day he had
longed for a closer union; nearer and nearer
had grown the communion, until God took
him to Himself. He had stood at the thresh-
old of the eternal world, only a step be-
tween him and the land of the blest; and
now the portals opened, the walk with God,
so long pursued on earth, continued, and
'he passed through the gates of the Holy
City,—the first from among men to enter
there."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 87.
13.
In what prophetic utterance
did Enoch describe the imposing spec-
tacle of Christ's second coming? Jude
14, 15.
NoTE.—In closing this lesson study let us
earnestly pray:
"0 let me walk with thee, my God,
As Enoch walked in days of old;
Place Thou my trembling hand in Thine,
And sweet communion with me hold;
E'en though the path I may not see,
Yet, Jesus, let me walk with Thee."
Illustration:
From the mud and slime at the bottom of
the pond, the lily sends forth its bud and
opens its snow-white petals to the sun.
From proverbially wicked Nazareth, Jesus,
"the Lily of the valley," went forth in di-
vine purity to gladden and bless the world.
So, irrespective of surroundings, if we but
open our hearts to the "Sun of Righteous-
ness," our lives may become beautiful, vir-
tuous, and fragrant.
LESSON QUARTERLIES FOR THE BLIND
The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed,
are published each quarter in Braille and supplied free to
the blind upon request. Address: The Christian Record
Benevolent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska.
[ 9 ]
Lesson 3, for April 18, 1953
Noah, a Preacher of Righteousness
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 6 and 7.
MEMORY VERSE:
"For as in the days that were before the Flood they were eating
and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah
entered into the ark, and knew not until the Flood came, and took them all
away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." Matt. 24:38, 39.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 90-104.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of the lesson, based
on the outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7; memorize Matt. 24:
38, 39.
4.
Ques. 8-10; review Memory Verse.
5.
Ques. 11-13.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 90-104.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
According to Bible chronology, the ante-
diluvian era from creation to the Flood was
a period of 1,656 years, which is more than
one fourth of the entire time covered by all
world history. Adam, whose life span is re-
corded as 930 years, lived until Lamech of
the ninth generation in the patriarchal suc-
cession was fifty-six years of age; so that
from the father of the race all these de-
scendants might obtain an authentic ac-
count of creation, the Fall, the lost Eden,
and the promise of redemption. What an
evidence of divine care to preserve among
the loyal people a knowledge of the true
God and purity of worship!
Lesson Outline:
I. Wickedness Ends in Destruction
1.
Corruption and violence fill the
earth. Gen. 6:11, 12.
2.
God's decision to destroy the earth.
Gen. 6:7, 13.
3.
Mercy delays destruction 120 years.
Gen. 6:3, 5, 6.
II. The Warning Through Noah
1.
The God-fearing man of faith. Heb.
11:7.
2.
Building the ark and preaching for
God. Gen. 7:1-5; 2 Peter 2:5.
3.
The Flood and parallel conditions
today. Matt. 24:37-39.
Key Thought:
"The Lord knoweth how to deliver the
godly out of temptations, and to reserve the
unjust unto the day of judgment to be
punished." 2 Peter 2:9.
THE LESSON
Witnessing for God
1. What is the inspired record of
the life and character of Noah? Gen.
6:8, 9.
No'rE.—Like Enoch, who was his great-
grandfather, it is stated that Noah "walked
with God." No finer thing could be said
of a man at the close of his life than that he
walked with God.
[10]
They Mocked His Messengers,
"GOD'S JUDGMENT
- IS COMING:'
2.
Because of the prevailing de-
pravity of mankind, what startling
message was communicated to Noah?
Gen. 6:11-13, 17.
NoTE.—"God had given men His com-
mandments as a rule of life, but His law
was trangressed, and every conceivable sin
was the result. The wickedness of men
was open and daring, justice was trampled
in the dust, and the cries of the oppressed
reached unto heaven. . . . Neither the
marriage relation nor the rights of property
were respected. Whoever coveted the wives
or the possessions of his neighbor, took
them by force, and men exulted in their
deeds of
violence."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
pages 91, 92. The deluge of sin was fol-
lowed by the deluge of waters.
3.
In preparation for the coming
destruction, what specific instructions
were given? Describe the ark and
the cargo it was to carry. Gen. 6:14-
16, 18-21.
4.
How long a period of mercy and
probation was granted to the antedi-
luvians? What was God's attitude
toward them? Gen. 6:3, 5, 6.
NoTE.—"While building the ark he was
to preach that God would bring a flood
of water upon the earth to destroy the
wicked. . . . He gave the world an exam-
ple of believing just what God says. All
that he possessed, he invested in the ark.
As he began to construct that immense boat
on dry ground, multitudes came from every
direction to see the strange sight, and to
hear the earnest, fervent words of the singu-
lar preacher. Every blow struck upon the
ark was a witness to the
people."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
pages 92-95.
Faith and Its Reward
NOTE.—"God's repentance is not like
man's repentance. 'The Strength of Israel
will not lie, nor repent; for He is not a
man, that He should repent.' Man's repent-
ance implies a change of mind. God's re-
pentance implies a change of circumstances
and relations. Man may change his rela-
tion to God by complying with the condi-
tions upon which he may be brought into
the divine favor, or he may, by his own
action, place himself outside the favoring
'condition; but the Lord is the same 'yester-
day, and today, and
forever."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 630.
5. How was much ,of this time em-
ployed by Noah? 2 Peter 2:5; 1 Pe-
ter 3:18-20.
6.
In spite of the popular ridicule
and sarcasm directed at Noah, how
was he inspired to continue at his
task? Heb. 11:7.
NOTE.—Noah was derided as a wild fa-
natic, an alarmist, and as a deluded old man
whose religion had made him mad. Yet his
unshaken faith actuated him to commence
building the ark when to all human appear-
ances it seemed it would never be needed.
7.
What recognition of Noah's
righteousness is •recorded by the pen
of Inspiration? Ezek. 14:14.
8.
What significant events marked
the last week of activity before the
Flood? Gen. 7:1-9, 13-15.
NoTE.—Noah's last solemn appeal was re-
jected. But then what a scene! "Beasts of
every description, the fiercest as well as
the most gentle, were seen coming from
mountain and forest, and quietly making
their way toward the ark. A noise as of a
rushing wind was heard, and lo, birds were
flocking from all directions, their numbers
darkening the heavens, and in perfect order
they passed to the ark. . . . The world
looked on in wonder, some in fear. . . . As
the doomed race beheld the sun shining in
its glory, and the earth clad in almost Eden
beauty, they banished their rising fears by
boisterous merriment, and by their deeds
of violence they seemed to invite upon
themselves the visitation of the already
awakened wrath of
God."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
pages 97, 98.
9.
When the appointed time ar-
rived and all was in readiness, what
signal act of God occurred? Gen.
7:16.
.
NoTE.—"The massive door, which it was
impossible for those within to close, was
slowly swung to its place by unseen hands.
Noah was shut in, and the rejecters of
God's mercy were shut
out."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 98. How vividly this
suggests another tragic scene described by
Christ! His words are these: "And they
that were ready went in with Him to the
marriage: and the door was shut." Matt.
25:10.
The Voice of the Elements
10.
How widespread and appalling
was the ruin caused by the Flood?
Gen. 7:11, 12, 17-24.
NoTE.—"The entire surface of the earth
was changed at the Flood. . . . The earth
presented an appearance of confusion and
desolation impossible to describe. The
mountains, once so beautiful in their per-
fect symmetry, had become broken and ir-
regular. Stones, ledges, and ragged rocks
were now scattered upon the surface of the
earth. In many places, hills and mountains
had disappeared, leaving no trace where
they once stood; and plains had given place
to mountain ranges. These changes were
more marked in some places than in others.
Where once had been earth's richest treas-
ures of gold, silver, and precious stones,
were seen the heaviest marks of the curse."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 107, 108.
11.
How do geology, history, and
archaeology testify to the Biblical ac-
count of the Flood?
ANSWER.—(a)
"What wonders of a
strange but perished world the fossils re-
veal! But as we examine them, whether
they be found in America, Europe, Asia, or
Australia, or any other place on the face
of the earth, they all tell one and the same
story, and that is a sudden, wholesale de-
struction followed by an immediate burial.
Only one force known to man is capable
of accomplishing that, and that force is
water. Hence we conclude that the fossils
found in every part of the world constitute
convincing evidence for the Biblical Flood."
—Alfred M. Rehwinkel,
The Flood,
page
237.
(b)
The celebrated Jewish historian, Jo-
sephus, who lived in the first century of
our era, wrote, "All the writers of barbarian
histories make mention of this Flood," fol-
lowing which he presents the names of
several historians who lived in various an-
cient lands and wrote of the Deluge. See
Antiquities of the Jews,
b. 1, ch. 3, par. 6.
(c)
From the dust heaps of antiquity,
archaeology yields a vast array of confirma-
tory evidence. Those ancient inscriptions
on clay tablets describe, though some-
what imperfectly, the great Flood, the ship
of refuge, its construction, the passengers
and animals aboard, the tempest and de-
struction of life, the cessation of rain, the
receding floods, the resting of the ship upon
a mountain, the sending forth of the birds,
the exit from the ship, the altar of sacrifice,
and many other details. See Alfred M. Reh-
winkel,
The Flood,
chapter 10.
[ 12 ]
Lessons for Today
12.
Concerning what two eras did
Christ draw a solemn and impressive
parallel? Matt. 24:37-39.
NOTE.—Isaiah, Peter, Paul, and Christ
all testify to the fact of the mighty Flood.
Further, the same corruption and lawless-
ness that brought destruction upon the
antediluvian world are today emphasized
in the brutal and faithless tactics exhibited
by the nations, and by the flagrant and
shameless crimes of society. Truly the day
of recompense cannot long be delayed.
13.
What prophetic message for
our day was communicated through
the apostle Peter? 2 Peter 3:3-10.
NoTE.—"When the reasoning of philoso-
phy has banished the fear of God's judg-
ments; when religious teachers are point-
ing forward to long ages of peace and pros-
perity, and the world are absorbed in their
rounds of business and pleasure, planting
and building, feasting and merrymaking, re-
jecting God's warnings and mocking His
messengers,—then it is that sudden destruc-
tion cometh upon them, and they shall not
escape."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
104.
Illustration:
The great Deluge, the sudden overthrow
of Sodom and Gomorrah, the fearful de-
struction of Herculaneum and Pompeii, and
numerous other calamities, stand forth as
lurid examples to a pleasure- and sin-loving
people. Personal question: Before making
a complete and unconditional surrender,
shall I wait until the seven last plagues be-
gin to fall, and mercy no longer lingers?
Lesson 4, for April 25, 1953
Noah's Experiences After the Flood
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 8; 9:1-17.
MEMORY VERSE:
"And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that
I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living
creature of all flesh that is upon the earth." Gen. 9:16.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 105-110.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of the lesson, based
5.
on outline.
6.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-4.
7.
3.
Ques. 5-7; memorize Gen. 9:16.
4.
Ques. 8, 9; review Memory Verse.
Ques. 10-13.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 105-110.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
In a chronology of the reigns of ancient
kings preserved on clay tablets, the Flood
is mentioned "as an event which interrupted
the course of history."—C. L. Woolley,
Ur
of the Chaldees,
London, 1931, page
22.
Dr. Woolley spent seven years as an exca-
vator in old Chaldea, and found the ruins
of a most ancient civilization buried be-
neath hundreds of feet of water-laid clay,
"This," he states, could only have been the
result of a flood. . . . A whole civilization
which existed before it is lacking above it,
[13
1
and seems to have been submerged by the
waters."—Ibid., p. 29.
Inscribed on another clay prism is a long
list of ancient Chaldean kings, giving the
time when each reigned; while the first
eight of these are mentioned as kings who
reigned "before the Flood." On one tablet
is the record of a king who states that he
loved to read the writings of the age "before
the Flood."—Ibid.
Lesson Outline:
I.
First Events After the Flood
1.
After a year and ten days in the
ark, Noah's first act is to build
an altar of worship. Gen. 8:20.
2.
A new civilization begun. Gen. 9:
1, 7.
3.
A modified diet sanctioned, human
life safeguarded. Gen. 9:3-6.
II. God's Covenant With Men
1.
No further destruction by flood.
Gen. 9:9-11; Isa. 54:9, 10.
2.
The token of God's mercy. Gen. 9:
12-17.
3.
The rainbow, promise of mercy and
justice through eternity. Rev. 4:
2, 3.
Key Thought:
"I will remember." The rainbow promise
does not suggest that God might forget;
but He speaks to us in human language
that we may clearly understand.
"I will look upon it." Viewing the seven-
colored emblem of the sky, how comforting
to sense and realize the great fact that God
is also looking at the bow of promise, and
that He knows, He understands, He loves
and cares.
THE LESSON
4. After leaving the ark, what was
Noah's first notable act? How did
the Lord regard this expression of
gratitude? Gen. 8:18-22.
The Flood Subsides
1. How long a time did Noah and
his family spend in the ark? Gen. 7:
7-11; 8:13, 14.
NoTE.—The graphic precision in which
the exact year, month, and day of the entry
into and exit from the ark are given indi-
cates the accuracy with which Inspiration
has revealed the facts of the Deluge.
2.
When, and where, did the ark
find a resting place? Gen. 8:3, 4.
NoTE.—In the first century of our era,
according to Josephus, it was asserted by
some that portions of Noah's ark were still
in existence. Similar rumors have been cir-
culated in this twentieth century; but so
far as is definitely known, such reports have
no foundation in fact.
3.
How did Noah seek to ascertain
the progress of the subsiding waters?
Gen. 8:6-12.
The World After the Flood
5.
What became of the giant for-
ests that graced the earth in antedi-
luvian times?
ANSWER.-"At
this time immense forests
were buried. These have since been changed
to coal, forming the extensive coal beds
that now exist, and also yielding large
quantities of oil. The coal and oil frequently
ignite and burn beneath the surface of the
earth. Thus rocks are heated, limestone is
burned, and iron ore melted. The action
of the water upon the lime adds fury to the
intense heat, and causes earthquakes, vol-
canoes, and fiery
issues."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 108.
6.
When Noah and his sons began
the establishment of a new civiliza-
tion, what benediction was pro-
nounced upon them? Gen. 9:1, 7.
[
14]
NoTE.—The old world was buried be-
neath the waters of the Flood, that a new
order of things might arise from its ruins.
7.
As the patriarch viewed with
apprehension the powerful beasts of
prey that emerged from the ark, what
divine assurance was given? Gen. 9:2.
8.
What modification in man's
prescribed diet was then sanctioned?
Gen. 9:3.
NOTE.—"Before this time God had given
man no permission to eat animal food; He
intended that the race should subsist wholly
upon the productions of the earth; but now
that every green thing had been destroyed,
He allowed them to eat the flesh of the
clean beasts that had been preserved in the
ark."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 107.
"After the Flood the people ate largely
of animal food. God saw that the ways of
man were corrupt, and that he was disposed
to exalt himself proudly against his Creator
and to follow the inclinations of his own
heart. And He permitted that long-lived
race to eat animal food to shorten their sin-
ful lives. Soon after the Flood the race be-
gan to rapidly decrease in size, and in
length of
years."—Counsels on Diet and
Foods,
page 373.
9.
To guard the sacredness of life,
what divine enactment and penalty
for its violation was established? Gen.
9:5, 6; Ex. 20:13.
GOD'S
RAINBOWS OF PROMISE
"My Bow in the Cloud"
10.
What covenant did the Lord
establish with Noah and his poster-
ity? Gen. 9:9-11; 8:22.
11.
In what vivid and impressive
language does the gospel prophet em-
phasize the integrity of this covenant?
Isa. 54:9, 10.
12.
As a token, or sign, of this cove-
nant, what beautiful emblem of mercy
was placed in the heavens? Gen. 9:
12-17.
NorE.—"All acts of injustice that tend
to shorten life; the spirit of hatred and re-
venge, or the indulgence of any passion that
leads to injurious acts toward others, or
causes us even to wish them harm (for
`whoso hateth his brother is a murderer') ;
a selfish neglect of caring for the needy or
suffering; all self-indulgence or unnecessary
deprivation or excessive labor that tends to
injure health,—all these are, to a greater or
less degree, violations of the sixth com-
mandment."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page
308.
NOTE.—"It was God's purpose that as the
children of after generations should ask the
meaning of the glorious arch which spans
the heavens, their parents should repeat
the story of the Flood, and tell them that
the Most High had bended the bow, and
placed it in the clouds as an assurance that
the water should never again overflow the
earth."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages
106, 107.
13. In visions of heavenly splen-
dor, what other bow have prophets of
God beheld? What is its significance?
Ezek. 1:27, 28; Rev. 4:2, 3.
NorE.—"As the bow in the cloud results
from the union of sunshine and shower, so
the bow above God's throne represents the
union of His mercy and His justice. To the
sinful but repentant soul God says, Live
thou; 'I have found a ransom.'
"—Educa-
tion,
page 115.
"The rainbow round about the throne is
an assurance that God is true, that in Him
is no variableness, neither shadow of turn-
ing. We have sinned against Him, and are
undeserving of His favor; yet He Himself
has put into our lips that most wonderful
of pleas, 'Do not abhor us, for Thy name's
sake; do not disgrace the throne of Thy
glory; remember, break not Thy covenant
with us.' When we come to Him confessing
our unworthiness and sin, He has pledged
Himself to give heed to our cry. The honor
of His throne is staked for the fulfillment
of His word unto
us."—Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 148.
Illustration:
Of all things earthly, mother love is the
nearest to the unchanging and eternal. Em-
ploying this symbol, the prophet says:
"Can a woman forget her sucking child,
that she should not have compassion on the
son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet
will I not forget thee. Behold, I have
graven thee upon the palms of My hands."
Isa. 49:15, 16, first part.
Fellow travelers along life's highway, how
can any of us fail to respond to such com-
passionate and amazing love?
Lesson 5, for May 2, 1953
Noah's Descendants and the Tower of Babel
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 9:24 to 11:26.
MEMORY VERSE:
"0 love the Lord, all ye His saints: for the Lord preserveth the
faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer." Ps. 31:23.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 117-124.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of the lesson, based
on outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7; memorize Ps. 31:23.
4.
Ques. 8-10; review Memory Verse.
5.
Ques. 11-13.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 117-124.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
To the casual reader the tenth chapter
of Genesis may appear devoid of interest,
or value; but to the Bible student, the his-
torian, the archaeologist, the ethnologist,
and the philologist, it is one of the most
treasured records of antiquity. Speaking of
this family registry, M. Francois Lenor-
mant says:
"This is the most ancient, the most pre-
cious, the most complete document which
we possess on the distribution of the ancient
nations of the world."—A
Manual of the
Ancient History of the East,
b. 1, ch. 4, sec. 3.
The eminent historian George Rawlinson
also states: "That precious document . . .
well deserves to be called 'the most au-
thentic record that we possess for the affilia-
tion of nations.'
"—Seven Great Monarch-
ies, vol.
1, ch. 3, p. 34, par. 13.
[16]
Lesson Outline:
I. Repeopling the Earth
1.
The family of Noah replenished the
earth. Gen. 9:1, 19.
2.
Good and evil multiplied through
Shem, Ham, Japheth.
Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pages 117, 118.
3.
Cities multiplied, and Nimrod built
Babel to prevent the scattering of
the race. Gen. 11:1-4.
II. Literal and Symbolic Babylon
1. God rewards man's impiety by con-
founding his speech. Gen. 11:5-8.
2.
Babel, or Babylon, represented de-
fiance of God. Dan. 3:1; 4:30-32.
3.
Spiritual Babylon will be over-
thrown in final controversy with
God. Rev. 17:5; 18:2.
Key Thought:
"The prophecy of Noah [concerning
Shem, Ham, and Japheth] was no arbitrary
denunciation of wrath or declaration of
favor. It did not fix the character and
destiny of his sons. But it showed what
would be the result of the course of life
they had severally
chosen."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 118.
THE LESSON
The Peopling of the Earth
1. What prophetic blessings and
curses did Noah pronounce upon his
sons? Gen. 9:25-28.
NoTE.—"In Shem, Ham, and Japheth,
who were to be the founders of the human
race, was foreshadowed the character of
their posterity. Noah, speaking by divine
inspiration, foretold the history of the three
great races to spring from these fathers of
mankind."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
117.
Canaan, the son of Ham, who evidently
shared in his father's /impiety and guilt, is
mentioned instead of the father.
2. In fulfillment of the promise to
Shem, what is the Scripture record
of his descendants? Gen. 10:22-31;
11:10-26.
NOTE.—"How richly rewarded was Sheen's
respect for his father; and what an illus-
trious line of holy men appears in his pos-
terity
!"—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
118.
It is generally held that Shem became the
father of the Hebrews, the Chaldeans, the
Syrians, the Assyrians, the Arabians, and
other peoples of southwest Asia.
3.
In harmony with the inspired
forecast, "God shall enlarge Japheth,"
what is said of his children and heirs?
Gen. 10:2-5.
NOTE.—It is conceded by nearly all stu-
dents of ancient history that the Indo-
European and yellow races that inhabit
the most of Europe, Asia, the Western.
Hemisphere, and some of the islands of the
Pacific, constitute the
enlarged
household
of Japheth.
4.
Mention some of the peoples
who descended from the family of
Ham. Gen. 10:6-19.
NoTE.—Babel, or Babylon, was the first
city built by the Hamites. The ancient
Canaanites and Phoenicians were also of
this race; but a majority of Ham's pos-
terity located in Africa. Compare Ps. 105:
23-27. In Palestine the Canaanites (Joshua
9:1-8, 27) became servants to the Israel-
ites, who were Shemites. They in turn were
conquered by the Romans (descendants of
Japheth). Here observe the precise ful-
fillment of the prophecy in Genesis 9:25-27.
[ 17 ]
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MODERN BABEL
5.
While the peoples of earth still
spoke one language, to what place
did some of them migrate? Gen. 11:
1, 2.
NOTE.—"Those who desired to forget
their Creator, and to cast off the restraint
of His law, felt a constant annoyance from
the teaching and example of their God-
fearing associates; and after a time they
decided to separate from the worshipers
of God. Accordingly they journeyed to the
plain of Shinar, on the banks of the river
Euphrates. They were attracted by the
beauty of the situation and the fertility of
the soil; and upon this plain they deter-
mined to make their
home."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 118.
Nimrod and His Building Projects
6.
Which great-grandson of Noah
arose to eminence, and what were
some of the monuments to his valor?
Gen. 10:8-10.
NoTE.—Another translation reads: "He
was the first to be a despot on the earth.
He was an overbearing tyrant in Jehovah's
sight." Josephus states that Nimrod's gov-
ernment developed into a tyranny. He was
evidently a mighty ruler, for even to this
day various ruins in Mesopotamia bear his
name.
7.
In what way did these city
builders transgress the divine instruc-
tions? Gen. 9:1, 7.
NOTE.—"God had directed men to dis-
perse throughout the earth, to replenish and
subdue it; but these Babel builders deter-
mined to keep their community united in
one body, and to found a monarchy that
should eventually embrace the whole earth."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 119.
8.
What further ambitious project
did they undertake, and what were
their motives? Gen. 11:3, 4.
NoTE.—"Thus their city would become
the Metropolis of a universal empire; its
glory would command the admiration and
homage of the world, and render the found-
ers illustrious. The magnificent tower,
reaching to the heavens, was intended to
stand as a monument of the power and
wisdom of its builders, perpetuating their
fame to the latest generations."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 119.
9.
How did the Lord regard their
impiety, and frustrate their labors?
Gen. 11:5-8.
Nom.—"The builders were wholly un-
able to account for the strange misunder-
standings among them, and in their rage
and disappointment they reproached one
another. Their confederacy ended in strife
and bloodshed. Lightnings from heaven,
as an evidence of God's displeasure, broke
off the upper portion of the tower, and
cast it to the ground. . . . The schemes of
the Babel builders ended in shame and de-
feat. The monument to their pride became
the memorial of their
folly."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pages 120-123.
Babylon—Literal and Symbolic
10.
What is the significance of the
term Babel, or Babylon? Gen. 11:9.
[18
NoTE.—In the Chaldean tongue Babel
signifies "the gate of God," or "way to
heaven;" while in the Scriptures it is used
to indicate "confusion." Man's
way to
heaven,
including all human traditions and
religions, leads to spiritual chaos and con-
fusion. Babylon of the Old Testament was
a "land of graven images," and its people
were "mad upon their idols." Jer. 50:38.
Babylon of the New Testament is termed
"the habitation of devils, and the hold of
every foul spirit, and a cage of every un-
clean and hateful bird." Rev. 18:2.
11. How did the noted builder of
ancient Babylon seek to oppose and
contravene the divine purposes, and
how did God deal with him? Dan.
3:1; 4:30-33.
NOTE.—"Instead of reproducing the
image as he had seen it, he would excel
the original. His image . . . should be en-
tirely of gold,—symbolic throughout of
Babylon as an eternal, indestructible, all-
powerful
kingdom."—Prophets and Kings,
page 504.
12.
In the closing conflict between
truth and error, what sinister powers
make war upon the people and work
of God? Rev. 17:5, 6; 12:17.
13.
How will the great controversy
terminate? Rev. 18:2, 21; 17:14.
Illustration:
The many modern churches, creeds, and
isms, all claiming to be founded on Scrip-
ture, present a striking picture of ecclesias-
tical confusion—"Babylon the Great." Shall
we not earnestly seek God for a true under-
standing of His word and for cleansing of
heart, that every vestige of Babylon may
be eradicated from our lives?
Lesson 6, for May 9, 1953
Abram, the First Missionary to Palestine
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Genesis
11:26 to 13:4; 15:1-21.
MEMORY VERSE:
"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place
which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out,
not knowing whither he went." Heb. 11:8.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 125-131, 136, 137.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of lesson, based on
the outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1, 2.
3.
Ques. 3-7.
4.
Ques. 8-10; memorize Heb. 11:8.
5.
Ques. 11-13; review Memory Verse.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 125-131, 136, 137.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
The era in which Abram lived was not a
time of primitive savagery and benighted
ignorance; nor was the patriarch himself
a half-civilized nomad living in rude bar-
barity. In the period following the Flood
were men of giant physical and intellectual
strength who built cities and fortresses, the
pyramids, and the Tower of Babel, who
planted grainfields and vineyards, and who
manufactured agricultural implements,
[ 19]
weapons of war, musical instruments,
golden vessels, pottery, purple dyes, orna-
ments, glass, sundials, and countless other
products of skilled workmanship.
Among the centers of that ancient civili-
zation was Ur of the Chaldees, located in
one of the richest agricultural districts of
the world, and having stately public build-
ings and private residences, a library,
schools, markets, factories, and shops.
There, the arts and sciences were cultivated,
astronomers studied the heavens and ac-
curately predicted eclipses, poets composed
hymns, and scribes produced their clay-tab-
let books that have been preserved to our
own day.
Lesson Outline:
I.
Genealogy of Abram
1.
Abram was the ninth generation
from Shem. Gen. 11:10-26.
2.
He lived in flourishing Chaldea, a
desirable land for permanent resi-
dence. Gen. 11:28.
3.
He developed an unquestioning obe-
dience to God. Gen. 12:4.
II. Abram Goes Out With God
1.
God's commands and promises be-
longed together. Gen. 12:1-3.
2.
He sojourned in Canaan, but famine
drove him down to Egypt. Gen.
12:6, 10.
3.
He foresaw the enslavement of his
descendants, their release, and his
own peaceful end. Gen. 15:12-16.
Key Thought:
"God has always tried His people in the
furnace of affliction. It is in the heat of
the furnace that the dross is separated from
the true gold of the Christian character.
Jesus watches the test; He knows what is
needed to purify the precious metal, that
it may reflect the radiance of His love."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 129.
NoTE.—In the subsequent Bible narra-
tive, there are some seven references to
Adam, eight to Noah, and more than one
hundred to Abraham. In the lifetime of the
patriarch, God would build anew the foun-
dations for His church and people on earth.
Is not Abram justly entitled to be called,
"The Friend of God," "The Father of the
Faithful"?
2. What message did Abram re-
ceive? Toward what country did he
and his family journey, and where
did they tarry for a time? Gen. 12:1;
11:31, 32; Heb. 11:8.
NOTE.—Abram was asked to sever the ties
of country, kindred, and home that he
might walk by faith in companionship with
ESSON
God. It was no easy decision to make; and
his "unquestioning obedience is one of the
most striking evidences of faith to be found
in all the
Bible."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 126.
Also, during their comparatively brief
stay in Haran, Abram and Sarai set a
worthy example; and their missionary zeal
bore fruit in the winning of idolaters to the
worship and service of the true God. See
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 127.
3. What far-reaching promise was
given to the patriarch? Where did
he and his caravan at length arrive?
Gen. 12:2-5.
NoTE.—The greatness forecast in this
prophecy was not to be attained in political
ascendancy and world conquests, in the
arts and sciences, in material achievement
or splendor; but in matters of faith and re-
ligion. Abraham is regarded as the spiritual
father of Jews, Christians, and Mohammed-
ans, of all people who acknowledge a su-
preme personal God, the Creator of all,
THE L
Responding to the Call
1. Give the record of Abram's fam-
ily as found in Genesis 11:26-29.
[ 20 ]
10175t40..
ABRAM FACED HIS
PROBLEMS WITH
FAITH AND PRAYER..
Axe you asicits God about it?
and who alone is to be worshiped. Even
after the final downfall of Israel and the
dispersion of Jews, Abraham's posterity
provided "ministers to kings, scholars to
universities, and dictators to legislative
halls,—an unconquerable race."—John
Lord,
Beacon Lights of History,
Wm. H.
Wise & Co. ed., vol. 1, pt. 2, p. 52.
4.
In what places did they sojourn?
And what marked the site of each en-
campment? Gen. 12:6-9.
NOTE.—"Wherever he [Abram] pitched
his tent, close beside it was set up his altar,
calling all within his encampment to the
morning and the evening sacrifice. When
his tent was removed, the altar remained.
In following years, there were those among
the roving Canaanites who received in-
struction from Abraham; and whenever
one of these came to that altar, he knew
who had been there before him; and when
he had pitched his tent, he repaired the al-
tar, and there worshiped the living God."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 128.
In the Land of the Pharaohs
5.
What adverse conditions then
prevailed in Canaan, and where did
the Hebrew strangers go for relief?
Gen. 12:10.
NoTa.—"God permits trials to assail His
people, that by their constancy and obedi-
ence they themselves may be spiritually en-
riched, and that their example may be a
source of strength to others. . . . God has
always tried His people in the furnace of
affliction. It is in the heat of the furnace
that the dross is separated from the true
gold of the Christian character."—Patri-
archs
and Prophets,
page 129.
6.
What incident revealed Abram's
human weakness, and what were the
embarrassing consequences? Gen. 12:
11-20.
NOTE.—Abram was cordially received at
the royal court; but when detected in a
seeming falsehood, he was ordered to leave
the country. God hangs no garlands upon
His heroes, but faithfully records the faults,
as well as the virtues, of good men. It is
also well to remember that a half-truth
may convey a whole lie.
"Abraham gave evidence that he was not
free from human weakness and imperfec-
tion. In concealing the fact that Sarah was
his wife, he betrayed a distrust of the di-
vine care, a lack of that lofty faith and
courage so often and nobly exemplified in
his
life."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
130.
7.
When instructed to depart from
Egypt, to what place did Abram go?
What was his financial status at that
time? Gen. 13:1-4.
NorE.—It is no sin to be rich, but riches
are given for a divine purpose.
"Money is an excellent gift of God. In
the hands of His children it is food for the
hungry, drink for the thirsty, and raiment
for the naked; it is a defense for the op-
pressed and a means of health to the sick.
Means should not be needlessly or lavishly
expended for the gratification of pride or
ambition."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 571.
The Certified Promise
8.
Soon after Abram's return to
Canaan, what promise was renewed
[21]
to him? How large a territory did it
embrace? Gen. 13:14-17; Rom. 4:13.
9.
As year after year passed, and no
son was born to Abram, whom did he
consider his heir? Gen. 15:1-3.
10.
What was the Lord's reply, and
how did Abram accept the promise?
Gen. 15:4-6. Compare Rom. 4:3-8.
11.
In response to the request of
Abram for a further token, what did
God instruct him to do? Gen. 15:7-11.
Compare Jer. 34:18-20.
NOTE.—"The patriarch begged for some
visible token as a confirmation of his faith,
and as an evidence to after generations that
God's gracious purposes toward them
would be accomplished. The Lord conde-
scended to enter into a covenant with His
servant, employing such forms as were
customary among men for the ratification
of a solemn engagement. By divine direc-
tion, Abraham sacrificed a heifer, a she-
goat, and a ram, each three years old, di-
viding the bodies, and laying the pieces a
little distance apart. To these he added a
turtledove and a young pigeon, which,
however, were not divided. This being done,
he reverently passed between the parts of
the sacrifice, making a solemn vow to God
of perpetual
obedience."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 137.
12.
In prophetic vision, what fu-
ture events were revealed to the pa-
triarch? Gen. 15:12-16.
13.
By what impressive ritual was
the covenant certified to Abram? Gen.
15:17, 18; Heb. 6:13-18.
NOTE.—"As a pledge of this covenant of
God with men, a smoking furnace and a
burning lamp, symbols of the divine pres-
ence, passed between the severed victims,
totally consuming them. And again a voice
was heard by Abraham, confirming the gift
of the land of Canaan to his descendants."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 137.
Illustration:
Like Abram and many other children of
God, the patriarch Job was severely tested.
During the fiery ordeal the Christian, too,
often forgets the wonderful assurance "that
all things work together for good to them
that love God." Rom. 8:28.
Job's faith finally triumphed, and though
suffering acutely he affirmed his supreme
confidence, declaring,' "Though He slay me,
yet will I trust in Him." Job 13:15.
Lesson 7, for May 16, 1953
Abram and Lot
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Genesis 13:5-13; 14:1-24; 18:20-33; 19.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the
flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap
life everlasting." Gal. 6:7, 8.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 132-144.
[221
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of lesson, based on 5. Ques. 12-14; review Memory Verse.
outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7; memorize Gal. 6:7, 8.
4.
Ques. 8-11.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 132-144.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
For many years Abram and Lot had lived
and traveled together, and both had be-
come rich. But when the hour of decision
and parting arrived, contrast Abram's noble,
magnanimous spirit with the grasping, self-
seeking attitude of Lot. Soon after the
separation Abram received a glorious vision
from God. His nephew at this time fed his
flocks in the rich pasture lands of the Jor-
dan Valley, and at the same time starved
his soul. Abram looked for a city "whose
builder and maker is God," while Lot
pitched his tent nearer and nearer to the
doomed and wicked city. One commanded
"his children and his household after him;"
the other exposed his family to the vice and
immorality of the Sodomites. One lived in
the pure atmosphere of heaven; the other
sat "in the seat of the scornful." Abram
became the honored "father of all them that
believe ;" while Lot ended his days in a
mountain cave, and became the father of
two profane, idolatrous tribes.
Lesson Outline:
I. The Parting of the Ways
1.
Wealth brought problems to the
two men. Gen. 13:5-7.
2.
Abram's greatness avoided strife
and gave Lot the choice of loca-
tion. Gen. 13:8, 9.
3.
Lot chose a rich but wicked area
and met disaster. Gen. 13:10;
14:12.
II. Abram's Courage
1.
He was a man of action, as of
faith. Gen. 14:13-16.
2.
God's great trust in Abram. Gen.
18:17.
3.
Abram's great intercession for
Sodom and Gomorrah. Gen. 18:
20-33.
III.
The Judgment of God
1.
Lot was a good man living in the
wrong environment.
2.
Some of his own family refused his
warning to flee, and he lost his.
wife, married daughters, and prop-
erty. Gen. 19:14, 26.
3.
Christ's comparison of the last days
with those of Lot. Luke 17:28-30.
•
Key Thought:
"It will be more tolerable for Sodom and
Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for
those who bear the name of Christ, yet dis-
honor Him by their unconsecrated lives."-
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 191.
THE LESSON
Lot Pitched His Tent Toward
Sodom
1. After the return of Abram and
Lot from Egypt, what difficulties
arose, and how were they adjusted?
Gen. 13:5-9.
NOTE.
-"Although
Lot owed his pros-
perity to his connection with Abraham, he
manifested no gratitude to his benefactor.
Courtesy would have dictated that he yield
the choice to Abraham; but instead of this,
he selfishly endeavored to grasp all its ad-
vantages."-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
133.
[ 23 1
2.
What deplorable choice did Lot
make? Describe the plain of Jordan.
What was the character of its inhabit-
ants? Gen. 13:10-13.
NoTE.—In its natural beauty and fertility,
the country surrounding these prosperous
cities appeared like the lost Paradise, but
to the household of Lot it was "perilous
luxury."
"Many are still making a similar mistake.
In selecting a home they look more to the
temporal advantages they may gain than
to the moral and social influences that will
surround themselves and their families.
They choose a beautiful and fertile coun-
try, or remove to some flourishing city, in
the hope of securing greater prosperity;
but their children are surrounded by temp-
tation, and too often they form associa-
tions that are unfavorable to the develop-
ment of piety and the formation of a right
character."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pages
168, 169.
3.
What disastrous experience be-
fell the people of Sodom and Gomor-
rah, including Lot's family? Gen. 14:
1-12.
Nobility of Character
•
4. Narrate the story of the rescue
expedition. Gen. 14:13-16.
NoTE.—"It was seen that righteousness is
not cowardice, and that Abraham's religion
made him courageous in maintaining the
right and defending the oppressed."—Pa-
triarchs
and Prophets,
page 135.
5. What following circumstances
revealed the sincerity and nobility of
Abram's character? Gen. 14:17-24.
NoTE.—"Few, if subjected to such a test,
would have shown themselves as noble as
did Abraham. Few would have resisted the
temptation to secure so rich a booty. His
example is a rebuke to self-seeking, mer-
cenary
spirits."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 135, 136.
6.
Years later, when Abraham had
unknowingly entertained heavenly
visitors, what ominous tidings and er-
rand did they disclose? Gen. 18:16-22.
7.
With what earnestness did Abra-
ham plead for the doomed cities?
Gen. 18:23-33.
NOTE.—Six times in this beautiful inter-
cessory prayer, Abraham pleads for the
dwellers in Sodom; and the patience and
mercy of God are even more remarkable
than the persevering spirit of Abraham.
The Retribution
(See Ezek. 16:49.)
8.
Describe the approach of two
strangers to Sodom, and the welcome
extended to them by Lot. Gen. 19:1-3.
NoTE.—The strangers who dined with
Abraham took supper with Lot. "There
was one man who manifested kindly atten-
tion toward the strangers, and invited them
to his home. Lot did not know their true
character, but politeness and hospitality
were habitual with him; they were a part
of his religion,—lessons that he had learned
from the example of Abraham. . . . Many
a household, in closing its doors against a
stranger, has shut out God's messenger,
who would have brought blessing and hope
and
peace."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 158.
9.
What mob violence marked the
last evening of Sodom's sordid exist-
ence? How was Lot rescued from
bodily harm? Gen. 19:4-11.
NOTE.—"That last night was marked by
no greater sins than many others before it;
[
24]
but mercy, so long slighted, had at last
ceased its
pleading."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 159.
10.
What tragic message did the
angels bear, and how was Lot's ap-
peal to his children received? Gen.
19:12-14.
11.
Relate the heartbreaking events
of the following morning. Gen. 19:
15-26.
A Lurid Warning
12.
What was the appearance of
the holocaust that destroyed the cor-
rupt cities of the plain? How did the
Lord honor Abraham's appeal for
mercy? Gen. 19:27-29; 2 Peter 2:6-8.
NOTE.-"
'The sun was risen upon the
earth when Lot entered into Zoar.' The
bright rays of the morning seemed to speak
only prosperity and peace to the cities of
the plain. The stir of active life began in
the streets; men were going their various
ways, intent on the business or the pleasures
of the day. The sons-in-law of Lot were
making merry at the fears and warnings
of the weak-minded old man. Suddenly and
unexpectedly
as
would be a thunder peal
from an unclouded sky, the tempest broke.
The Lord rained brimstone and fire out of
heaven upon the cities and the fruitful
plain; its palaces and temples, costly dwell-
ings, gardens and vineyards, and the gay,
pleasure-seeking throngs that only the night
before had insulted the messengers of
heaven,—all were consumed. The smoke of
the conflagration went up like the smoke of
a great furnace. And the fair vale of Siddim
became a desolation, a place never to be
built up or inhabited,—a witness to all
generations of the certainty of God's judg-
ments upon transgression."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 162.
13.
What is recorded of the latter
years of Lot's life? What peoples
were his descendants? Gen. 19:30,
37, 38.
14.
What impressive parallel did
Christ draw between the time of Lot
and the closing days of earth's his-
tory? Luke 17:28-30.
NorE.—The tragic lesson of that dead
land beside the Dead Sea, is unmistakably
clear. The Bible mentions those cities
twenty-eight times, and presents them as a
lurid warning against unbelief, riotous liv-
ing, and the transgression of divine law.
Disregarding the lessons of the past, mul-
titudes are today pitching their tents to-
ward spiritual Sodom. The decay of virtue
and the utter abandonment of social stand-
ards constitute a portentous sign of our
times. They fulfill the predictions of the
Bible, and through them the pillar of salt
still speaks with clarion voice to the men
and women of our day.
Illustration:
Thousands of modern cities are today fol-
lowing the example of Sodom and Gomor-
rah; and to God's remnant people the mes-
senger of the Lord appeals:
"Instead of the crowded city seek some
retired situation where your children will
be, so far as possible, shielded from tempta-
tion, and there train and educate them for
usefulness. . . . All who would escape the
doom of Sodom must shun the course that
brought God's judgments upon that wicked
city."—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp. 232, 233.
[25
7
Lesson 8, for May 23, 1953
Abraham's Victory of Faith
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Genesis
16; 17; 20; 21; 22.
MEMORY VERSE:
"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of
gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise
and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 1:7.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 145-155.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of lesson, based on
5.
the outline.
6.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-3.
7.
3.
Ques. 4-6; memorize 1 Peter 1:7.
4.
Ques. 7-10; review Memory Verse.
Ques. 11-14.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 145-155.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
The life
of
Abraham is characterized by
four great surrenders.
While living in Ur of
the Chaldees, he surrendered country, home,
loved ones, and friends that he might re-
spond to the call of God. When separating
from Lot, instead of insisting upon his
senior rights, he surrendered the choice pas-
ture lands to his nephew. When returning
as victor from his conflict with the kings,
he surrendered the legitimate spoils of war,
not even using a portion of it to pay his
tithes. When called to surrender the life of
his dearly cherished son, his radiant faith
shines forth in triumph ; and accounting
that God was able to raise Isaac from the
dead, he staggered not at the ordeal, but
proceeded resolutely to the sacrifice on
Mount Moriah.
Seeing Him who is invisible, we, too,
through unconditional surrender, may live
the life of complete victory.
Lesson Outline:
I. Man's Interference With Divine Plans
1. Abram and Sarai try to expedite
the plan for a literal son. Gen.
16:1, 2,.15.
2.
Polygamy was wrong and brought
jealousy and sorrow. Gen. 16:4-9.
3.
God renews His covenant and gives
them new names. Gen. 17:5, 15.
II. God's Covenant With Men of Faith
1.
God promised to raise up a people
with His love and His law in their
hearts. Gen. 17:7; Heb. 8:10-12.
2.
Abraham's faith showed itself by
his works. Gen. 22:1, 2.
3.
Abraham saw that faith in Christ's
offering is the basis of the new
covenant life. John 8:56.
Key Thought:
"In the darkest days, when appearances
seem most forbidding, fear not. Have faith
in God. He knows your need. He has all
power. His infinite love and compassion
never weary. Fear not that He will fail of
fulfilling His promise."—Prophets
and
Kings,
pages 164, 165.
THE LESSON
Failure of Human Devisings
1. After ten years' residence in Ca-
naan, what plan did Abram
And
Sarai
devise that they might have a son and
heir? What was the result? Gen. 16:
1, 2, 15.
[ 26 ]
"GIVE ME
THINE HEART."
NOTE.—When God first called Abram to
journey to the Promised Land, he traveled
as far as Haran—about halfway. But from
his father's grave, God spoke again, and
Abram proceeded to Canaan. Too many
professed Christians are willing to go but
halfway with the Master.
When Abram's promised son was not
born, he first proposed to adopt a trusted
servant. Abram and his wife had waited
until their hopes grew dim, and they felt
they must devise a way to fulfill the prom-
ise of an heir.
2.
Because the sanctity of the mar-
riage relation had been violated, how
was the peace of the once happy home
disturbed? Gen. 16:4-9.
NOTE.—"Polygamy had become so wide-
spread that it had ceased to be regarded as
a sin, but it was not less a violation of the
law of God, and was fatal to the sacredness
and peace of the family relation. Abraham's
marriage with Hagar resulted in evil, not
only to his own household, but to future
generations."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 145.
3.
When Abram was ninety-nine
years of age, what communication
did he receive from the Lord? Gen.
17:1, 2.
NoTE.—God was here reminding Abram
that the divine covenant would not fail.
All that was required of Abram was faith
to believe it. "Walk before Me, and be thou
perfect."
New-Covenant Promises
4.
In renewing the covenant with
Abram and Sarai, what change of
names was authorized? Gen. 17:5, 15.
NOTE.—The probable meaning of the
name
Abram
is said to be "exalted father;"
while
Abraham
signifies "father of a great
multitude." The name
Sarah
is translated,
"princess." The new names were doubtless
expressive of a new experience in faith and
trust.
5.
What spiritual blessings does
God's everlasting covenant with the
house of Israel after the spirit impart
to the individual Christian? Heb. 8:
10-12. Compare Gen. 17:7.
The Son of the Bondmaid, or
the Son of the Freewoman?
6.
How did Abraham receive the
promise that Sarah would bear a son?
Gen. 17:16-18.
NoTE.—"Abraham did not yet understand
the promise. His mind, at once turned to
Ishmael, clinging to the belief that through
him God's gracious purposes were to be ac-
complished. In his affection for his son he
exclaimed, '0 that Ishmael might live be-
fore Thee!'
"—Patriarchs and Prophets,
146.
7.
Following the birth of Isaac,
what attitude did Ishmael assume to-
ward the young heir? Because of this
what was Abraham compelled to do?
Gen. 21:8-14.
[.
27
]
8.
How did the apostle Paul use
this incident to contrast the bondage
of dead works with the freedom of the
gospel? Gal. 4:21-31.
The Supreme Test and Triumph
9.
When Isaac had grown to young
manhood, to what supreme test was
Abraham subjected? Gen. 22:1, 2,
margin.
NoTE.—The word
tempt
is properly
translated "prove." See also American Re-
vised Version.
10.
Relate the story of the trip to
Mount Moriah. Gen. 22:3-5.
NoTE.—Abraham said, "I and the lad
will go, . . . and come again." Because of
Sarah's age, he recognized that the birth
of Isaac was a miracle. As he likewise re-
called the words, "In Isaac shall thy seed
be called," he bei
eved that another miracle
was altogether possible, "accounting that
God was able to raise him up, even from
the dead; from whence also he received
him in a figure." Heb. 11:19.
11.
On the way to the mountaintop
what conversation took place between
father and son? Gen. 22:6-8.
NoTE.—In his answer, "God will provide
Himself a lamb for a burnt offering," Abra-
ham unconsciously uttered a prophecy that
reached far beyond the present experience,
as revealed in John 1:29.
12.
How was Abraham restrained
from sacrificing his son? Gen. 22:
9-12. Compare James 2:21-23.
NoTE.—Abraham's heart was torn with
unspeakable grief, and in his agony of soul
he is featured by the apostle Paul as having
actually offered "up his only-begotten son."
Heb. 11:17. "Abraham's great act of faith
stands like a pillar of light, illuminating
the pathway of God's servants in all suc-
ceeding ages. Abraham did not seek to ex-
cuse himself from doing the will of God.
. . . But he did not stop to question how
the promise could be fulfilled if Isaac
should be slain. He did not stay to reason
with his aching
heart."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 153.
Isaac's "heroic act, second only to that of
his father, showed how fully he had im-
bibed his father's spirit. . . . No higher evi-
dence of the simplicity and strength of
Isaac's faith in God could have been given."
—J. G. Butler,
The Bible-Work, vol.
1, p.
391.
13.
What substitute offering was
providentially provided? In this vi-
carious sacrifice, what did Abraham
begin to see and appreciate? Gen.
22:13, 14; John 8:56.
NOTE.—"Heavenly beings were witnesses
of the scene as the faith of Abraham and
the submission of Isaac were tested. . . .
All heaven beheld with wonder and admira-
tion Abraham's unfaltering obedience. . . .
And when the father's hand was stayed as
he was about to slay his son, and the ram
which God had provided was offered in the
place of Isaac,—then light was shed upon
the mystery of redemption, and even the
angels understood more clearly the wonder-
ful provision that God had made for man's
salvation."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page
155.
14.
What covenant was reiterated
to Abraham? Why repeated? Gen.
22:15-18.
NoTE.—"Abraham has now fully and
nobly borne the test, and by his faithfulness
redeemed his lack of perfect trust in God,
which lack led him to take Hagar as his
wife."—Spiritual Gifts,
vol. 3, p. 108.
In the victory on Mount Moriah, Abra-
ham's spiritual life attained its summit;
and by his resolute purpose to obey God,
[ 28 ]
"was faith made perfect." Following this
triumph, as recorded in the Bible, the Lord
appeared to Abraham for the sixth and last
time to reaffirm the provisions of His cove-
nant—posterity as the stars of heaven; vic-
tory over their enemies; and a blessing to
all peoples of the earth. This promise finds
its greatest fulfillment in the advent of
Christ and the giving of the gospel.
Illustration:
On one moonlit night during World War
II, a town of England was the target of an
enemy bombing raid. Soon afterward, as
workmen were clearing away the debris
they found a sailor's prayer book lying on a
heap of rubbish, opened at the marked
text: "I had fainted, unless I had believed
to see the goodness of the Lord in the land
of
.
the living." Ps. 27:13.
"Faith is the victory," and every Chris-
tian should realize that the greatest of all
victories are won, not by armies, battle-
ships, tanks, or bombs, but by implicit faith
in the word of God.
Lesson 9, for May 30, 1953
Isaac and His Sons
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 24 to 27.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what
fellowship hath righteousness •with unrighteousness? and what communion
hath light with darkness?" 2 Cor. 6:14.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 171-182.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of lesson, based on
outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-4.
3. Ques. 5-8.
4.
Ques. 9-11; memorize 2 Cor. 6:14.
5.
Ques. 12-15; review Memory Verse.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 171-182.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
"Let parents seek, in their own character
and in their home life, to exemplify the love
and beneficence of the heavenly Father. Let
the home be full of sunshine. This will be
worth far more to your children than lands
or money. Let the home love be kept alive
in their hearts, that they may look back
II.
upon the home of their childhood as a place
of peace and happiness next to heaven."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 176.
Lesson Outline:
I. Marriage Ideals
1. Common religious faith is God's
ideal for happy marriage. Gen. 24:
[ 29 1
1-3. Compare 2 Cor. 6:14-18.
2.
Divine guidance brought Eliezer to
the woman of God's choice. Gen.
24:27, 58, 67.
3.
The twins, Jacob and Esau, became
the progenitors of diverse nations.
Gen. 27:27-29, 39, 40.
Birthright Blessings
1.
The birthright bartered frivolously,
bought guilefully, produced ha-
tred. Gen. 25:31-33 ; 27:30-41.
2.
Jacob fled for his life and never saw
his mother again. Gen. 27:41-46.
3.
Despite deception which caused sor-
row, Jacob loved God and in-
herited the blessing. Gen. 27:29.
Key Thought:
Beware of favoritism in the home or in
the church, for favoritism begets jealousy;
and jealousy is the parent of a multitude of
evils.
"0 jealousy and evil surmising, what mis-
chief have ye wrought ! how have ye turned
friendship and love into bitterness and
hatred! We must be less proud, less sensi-
tive, have less self-love, and be dead to self-
interest."—Testimonies, vol. 2,
p. 566.
THE LESSON
The Quest to Mesopotamia
1.
What weighty commission was
entrusted to Eliezer, and what instruc-
tions were given him? Gen. 24:1-9.
NOTE.—"In the mind of Abraham, the
choice of a wife for his son was a matter of
grave importance; he was anxious to have
him marry one who would not lead him
from God. In ancient times, marriage en-
gagements were generally made by the par-
ents; and this was the custom among those
who worshiped
God."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 171. Similar customs still
prevail in various Oriental lands.
2.
On arrival of the caravan to the
city of Nahor, narrate the experiences
of Eliezer at the well. Gen. 24:10-28.
NoTE.—The distance from Beersheba in
Palestine to the city of Nahor, or Haran, in
Mesopotamia is approximately five hundred
miles. "Remembering the words of Abra-
ham, that God would send His angel with
him; he prayed earnestly for positive guid-
ance. In the family of his master he was
accustomed to the constant exercise of kind-
ness and hospitality, and he now asked that
an act of courtesy might indicate the
maiden whom God had
chosen."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 172.
3.
What reception was accorded to
Eliezer by Bethuel and Laban, and
how did they regard the purpose of
his errand? Gen. 24:29-51.
NOTE.—Bethuel and Laban were Abra-
ham's nephew and grandnephew, respec-
tively, while Rebekah was the daughter of
Isaac's first cousin. In those days the mar-
riage of cousins was considered neither
wrong nor unethical.
4.
On the following morning, what
was Rebekah's response to the mar-
riage proposal? What was the part-
ing message of the family to the
bride? Gen. 24:54-61.
Marital Happiness
5.
Describe the meeting of Isaac
and Rebekah, and the home that they
established. Gen. 24:62-67.
NOTE.—"Isaac was highly honored by
God, in being made inheritor of the prom-
ises through which the world was to be
blessed; yet when he was forty years of
age, he submitted to his father's judgment
in appointing his experienced, God-fearing
servant to choose a wife for him. And the
result of that marriage, as presented in the
Scriptures, is a tender and beautiful picture
of domestic happiness."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 175.
6.
Regarding the choice of a life
companion, what divine counsel is
given? 2 Cor. 6:14-18.
NOTE.—"Young people too often feel that
the bestowal of their affections is a matter in
which self alone should be consulted,—a
matter that neither God nor their parents
[30
1
should in any wise control. . . . Many have
thus wrecked their happiness in this life,
and their hope of the life to come. If there
is any subject which should be carefully
considered and in which the counsel of
older and more experienced persons should
be sought, it is the subject of marriage; if
ever the Bible was needed as a counselor, if
ever divine guidance should be sought in
prayer, it is before taking a step that binds
persons together for
life."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 175.
7.
What positive command against
mixed marriages was given to Israel?
What results of such marriages were
foretold? Deut. 7:3, 4.
NoTE.—"It is a dangerous thing to form
a worldly alliance. Satan well knows that
the hour which witnesses the marriages of
many young men and women closes the his-.
tory of their religious experience and use-
fulness." "When it is too late, they find
that they have made a mistake, and have
imperiled their happiness in this life and
the salvation of their souls." "Unless you
would have a home where the shadows are
never lifted, do not unite yourself with one
who is an enemy of
God."—Messages to
Young People,
pages 453, 454, 459, 440.
8.
What children were born to
Isaac and Rebekah, and what is re-
corded of the disposition and natural
inclination of each? Gen. 25:24-28.
Birthright Privileges
9.
What experience further demon-
strated the diverse characteristics of
the two young men? Gen. 25:29-34.
NOTE.—"They were taught to regard the
birthright as a matter of great importance,
for it included not only an inheritance of
worldly wealth, but spiritual pre-eminence.
He who received it was to be the priest of
his family; and in the line of his posterity
the Redeemer of the world would come.
On the other hand, there were obligations
resting upon the possessor of the birthright.
He who should inherit its blessings must
devote his life to the service of God. . . .
Jacob had learned from his mother of the
divine intimation that the birthright should
fall to him, and he was filled with an un-
speakable desire for the privileges which it
would
confer."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 177, 178. Compare Gen. 25:23.
10.
In contrast to the men and
women of faith commended in He-
brews 11, what lesson is drawn from
the conduct of Esau? Heb. 12:16, 17.
NoTE.—To indulge in sordid pleasures, or
to acquire wealth or fame, how many are
today selling their priceless birthright for
a mere mess of pottage!
11.
What further wrongdoing in
Esau's life brought grief and discord
to the family circle? Gen. 26:34, 35;
27:46.
Sowing to the Wind—Reaping
the Whirlwind
12.
As Isaac advanced in years,
what did he propose to do, and how
was his plan thwarted? Gen. 27:1-17.
13.
Relate the conversation be-
tween father and son. Gen. 27:18-29.
NOTE.—"It was not his intention to ut-
ter a direct falsehood, but once in the
presence of his father he seemed to• have
gone too far to retreat, and he obtained by
fraud the coveted blessing. Jacob and
Rebekah succeeded in their purpose, but
they gained only trouble and sorrow by
their deception. God had declared that
Jacob should receive the birthright, and
His word would have been fulfilled in His
own time, had they waited in faith for
Him to work for
them."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 180.
[31
1
14. As Jacob's deception was dis-
covered, what was the reaction of
Isaac? of Esau? Gen. 27:30-41.
NoTE.—"Trembling with astonishment
and distress, the blind old father learned
the deception that had been practiced upon
him. . . . Yet the conviction flashed upon
him that it was God's providence which had
defeated his purpose, and brought about the
very thing he had determined to prevent.
. . . Esau had lightly valued the blessing
while it seemed within his reach, but he
desired to possess it now that it was gone
from him forever. . . . His grief did not
spring from conviction of sin; he did not
desire to be reconciled to God. He sorrowed
because of the results of his sin, but not
for the sin
itself."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 181.
15. Because of Esau's threat, what
was Jacob impelled to do? Gen. 27:
41-46; 28:1, 2.
Nora.—Both brothers were made to sense
the meaning of those words, "Whatsoever a
man soweth, that shall he also reap." For
his sin, Jacob found it necessary to become
a fugitive in exile, never again to see the
face of his beloved mother. Of the other it
is written: "As Esau awoke to see the folly
of his rash exchange when it was too late to
recover his loss, so it will be in the day of
God with those who have bartered their
heirship to heaven for selfish gratifications."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 182.
Illustration:
The family life of Isaac and Rebekah
stands forth as a pathetic example of two
good, well-meaning people, who neverthe-
less failed to fully confide in each other.
The little secrets kept by husband • or wife
from the other, the hidden motives, and
the little deceits practiced, are certain to
bear a baneful harvest. Everything a Chris-
tian does should be "as transparent as the
sunlight." This is especially true in the
inner circle of the home; for "be sure your
sin will find you out!' Num. 32:23.
FOREIGN-LANGUAGE SABBATH SCHOOL LESSON QUARTERLIES
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I: 32 II
Lesson 10, for June 6, 1953
Jacob, and His New Name
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 28 to 33.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither
thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee."
Gen. 28:15.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 183-203.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of lesson, based on
outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7; memorize Gen. 28:15.
4.
Ques. 8-10; review Memory Verse.
5.
Ques. 11-15.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 183-203.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to appeal.
Introduction:
The spiritual life of Jacob may be divided
into two parts;—the first ninety-seven years
prior to the wrestling at Jabbok, and the
fifty years that followed that experience.
Jacob possessed warm affection, quick intel-
ligence, fullness of resource, and a sturdy
capacity for hard work; but during the first
period, he also revealed much selfishness,
cunning, deceit, and treachery, even toward
his nearest relatives. The glorious experi-
ence at Bethel imparted wondrous hope and
inspiration, yet its influence appeared tem-
porary; for during years of friction and dis-
cord with his crafty uncle, the vision of the
angel ladder seemed to grow dim and indis-
tinct.
However, Jacob became a changed man
subsequent to his midnight struggle with
"the Angel of the covenant." While not
free from certain mistakes, we henceforth
see Israel as a man of simplicity, truth,
and high purpose, in whose life the faith
and piety of Abraham shone forth with un-
clouded luster.
Lesson Outline:
1.
The Fugitive Finds God
1.
God's renewed covenant and Ja-
cob's vow. Gen. 28:10-22.
2.
Learning at the hands of unscrupu-
lous Laban. Gen. 29:15; 31:7.
3.
The flight from Laban and the re-
turn home in fear. Gen.
31:17;
32:11.
The Exile Returns to His Homeland
1.
Fear of his brother was fear of his
own wrongdoing. Gen. 32:7, 26.
2.
After prevailing with God, Jacob
was ready to meet his brother.
Gen. 32:29-32; 33:8-10.
3.
Jacob's night of heart searching
prefigured a similar experience for
the church in the last days. Jer.
30:5-7.
Key Thought:
"God never leads His children otherwise
than they would choose to be led, if they
could see the end from the beginning, and
discern the glory of the purpose which they
are fulfilling as co-workers with Him."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 224, 225.
33 ]
THE LESSON
Bethel, the House of God
3. What solemn vow did Jacob
make? Gen. 28:20-22.
1.
As the fugitive Jacob fled from
his ancestral home, and lay down to
sleep in a desolate place, what re-
markable dream was given him?
What covenant was renewed? Gen.
28:10-15.
NOTE.—"The Lord knew the evil influ-
ences that would surround Jacob, and the
perils to which he would be exposed. In
mercy He opened up the future before the
repentant fugitive, that he might under-
stand the divine purpose with reference to
himself, and be prepared to resist the temp-
tations that would surely come to him when
alone amid idolaters and scheming men.
. . . The ladder represents Jesus, the ap-
pointed medium of communication. Had
he not with his own merits bridged the gulf
that sin had made, the ministering angels
could have held no communion with fallen
man. Christ connects man in his weakness
and helplessness with the source of infinite
power."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 184.
2.
Upon awakening, what did Ja-
cob say and do? Gen. 28:16-19. Com-
pare Hosea 12:4.
NoTE.—Prior to this event, it appears
that Jacob had known but a superficial re-
ligious experience. Now he was plunged
into the darkness of despair; but in the
language of Hosea, "he found Him [God]
in Bethel." A remarkable and precious dis-
covery ! "The sense of the nearness of God
filled him with awe, incited him to adora-
tion, pledged him to gratitude. Marking
the spot with a memorial stone, and con-
secrating it with a vow, he went on his way
rejoicing. That place is ever nearest heaven
where God's presence is felt; and God's
presence is felt wherever the soul looks up
to Him in humble, grateful, admiring love."
—J. G. Butler,
The Bible-Work, vol.
1, p.
447.
No'rE.—"Jacob was not here seeking to
make terms with God. The Lord had al-
ready promised him prosperity, and this
vow was the outflow of a heart filled with
gratitude for the assurance of God's love
and
mercy."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 187.
A Shepherd in Mesopotamia
4.
Describe the meeting of Jacob
with his relatives in Haran. Gen. 29:
1-14.
5.
In order to obtain the beloved
Rachel as his wife, what strenuous
service was Jacob required to per-
form? What wicked fraud was per-
petrated by Laban? Gen. 29:15-29.
6.
How long did Jacob serve La-
ban for his wives? his cattle? How
was he treated, yet to what extent did
he prosper? Gen. 31:38-41; 30:43.
7.
What enmity developed toward
Jacob, and what did this alienation
lead him to do? Gen. 31:1-7, 14-18.
NOTE.—"Jacob would have left his crafty
kinsman long before, but for the fear of
encountering Esau. Now he felt that he
was in danger from the sons of Laban, who,
looking upon his wealth as their own, might
endeavor to secure it by
violence."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 193.
[ 34 ]
"Mizpah"
8.
As the enraged Laban overtook
the fleeing caravan, what conversa-
tion occurred between Jacob and his
uncle? Gen. 31:25-42.
9.
What solemn covenant of peace
was at length established? How was
it confirmed? Gen. 31:43-55.
NOTE.—It appears that Laban featured
God as standing on the heap, or "watch-
tower," as a witness that both parties
would loyally abide by their agreement.
Out of this experience came the beautiful
"Mizpah," or parting benediction that is so
frequently repeated throughout the Chris-
tian world.
10.
As Jacob and his company con-
tinued their journey, what angel es-
cort appeared? Gen. 32:1, 2, margin.
NoTE.—"As he traveled southward from
Mount Gilead, two hosts of heavenly an-
gels seemed to encompass him behind and
before, advancing with his company, as if
for their protection. Jacob remembered the
vision at Bethel so long before, and his
burdened heart grew lighter at this evidence
that the divine messengers who had brought
him hope and courage at his flight from
Canaan, were to be the guardians of his
return."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
195.
From Apparent Defeat to Victory
11.
To meet the threat of Esau's
hostile advance, what careful prepa-
rations did Jacob make? Gen. 32:3-23.
12.
Describe the night of wrestling
in the wild and lonely canyon of the
Jabbok. Gen.
32:24
-
31.
NOTE.-"It
was Christ, `the Angel of the
covenant,' who had revealed Himself to
Jacob. . . . Through humiliation, repent-
ance, and self-surrender, this sinful, erring
mortal prevailed with the Majesty of
heaven. He had fastened his trembling
grasp upon the promises of God, and the
heart of Infinite Love could not turn away
the sinner's
plea."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 197.
13.
Because Jacob had "power with
God and with men," and "prevailed,"
what new name was divinely given
him? Gen. 32:28, margin.
NOTE.—The name "Jacob," said to mean
heel catcher,
or supplanter, was to be dis-
carded for the new name, "Israel," which
is translated as a
prince of God.
"His old life falls from him: purified and
sanctified by God's gracious dealings with
him, he is no longer to bear the old name
Jacob, polluted as it was by his deceit; but
he is to be called by a new name, which
shall be a witness of his victory in the
severest trial—a victory gained by distrust
of himself and firm trust in God's promise."
—J. G. Butler,
The Bible-Work, vol.
1, p.
471.
14.
Describe the meeting of the
long-separated brothers. Gen. 33:1-16.
[35]
15. What greater and more heart-
searching conflict is prefigured by. Ja-
cob's night of anguish? Jer. 30:5-7.
NOTE.
-"It
is now that we are to learn
this lesson of prevailing prayer, of unyield-
ing faith. The greatest victories to the
church of Christ or to the individual Chris-
tian, are not those that are gained by talent
or education, by wealth, or the favor of
men. They are those victories that are
gained in the audience chamber with God,
when earnest, agonizing faith lays hold
upon the mighty arm of
power."—Patri-
archs and Prophets,
page 203.
Appeal:
"No more Jacob, but Israel." Have you
passed through your Jabbok? Then put
away every idol, "change your garments,"
open your heart to Christ, and proceed to
Bethel where the angels come and go.
There you will obtain true peace, real hap-
piness, and complete satisfaction. He will
give you a new name, new victories day by
day, and blessed fellowship in witnessing
for the Master.
Lesson 11, for June 13, 1953
Joseph, the Favorite Son
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Genesis 37 and 39.
MEMORY VERSE:
"He
sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a
servant: whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: until the time
that His word came: the word of the Lord tried him." Ps. 105:17-19.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 209-218.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of lesson based on
outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4-7; memorize Ps. 105:17-19.
4.
Ques. 8-10; review Memory Verse.
5.
Ques. 11-14.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 209-218.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
According to the accepted belief of many
Bible students, Jacob was married to Rachel
one week after his marriage to Leah, fol-
lowing which he served seven years for
the maiden of his choice, and six years
more following the birth of Joseph. See
Gen. 29:18, 20, 27; 30:25, 26; 31:41.
On the return to Palestine, it appears
that Joseph was a lad of six, that his
mother died before he attained the age of
twelve, and that he lived for at least five
years in Hebron in the neighborhood
of
his
grandfather Isaac. Would it not be most
natural for the frail and venerable Isaac
to give special, affectionate attention to the
motherless boy, and for Joseph to sit at his
grandfather's feet, listening with wonder to
such never-to-be-forgotten stories as the
trip to Mount Moriah, and the providential
rescue on that eventful day?
The Bible narrative of Joseph, occupying
about one tenth of the book of Genesis,
thrills the reader with its charming sim-
plicity, its intriguing interest, and its "pen-
etrating pathos."
[ 36 ]
Lesson Outline:
I. In the Home of Jacob
1.
His name changed to Israel (Gen.
35:10), he journeys to Bethel and
is known to all as a worshiper of
Jehovah. Gen. 35:1-5.
2.
Joseph, the favorite son, despised
by his brothers, relates his dreams
and is hated still more. Gen. 37:
3-8.
3.
Joseph sold into slavery by his
brothers. Gen. 37:12-20, 26, 27.
II. In the Home of Potiphar
1. Sold to the captain of Pharaoh's
guard; Joseph advances to become
a prosperous overseer. Gen. 39:
1-5.
2.
Enticed and tempted by Potiphar's
wife, Joseph withstands evil but
suffers imprisonment. Gen. 39:
7-9, 20.
3.
In prison, but with God. Gen. 39:
21-23.
Key Thought:
The seemingly adverse and cruel circum-
stances of life are ofttimes the stepping-
stones to greatest usefulness and achieve-
ment.
THE LESSON
In His Father's Home
1.
Following the tragic experiences
at Shechem, what message came to Ja-
cob, and what did he direct the mem-
bers of his household to do? Gen. 35:
1-4.
NoTE.—Jacob had traveled far from
Bethel, and at times during the intervening
quarter of a century the glorious vision had
doubtless become indistinct. Now, when Ja-
cob is in sore trouble and distress, the Lord
bids him return to the hallowed shrine of
Bethel, to the spot marked by the foot of
the heavenly ladder, and to fellowship with
the angels. In preparation for this return,
he appeals to all members of his family to
put away every cherished idol and change
their sin-polluted garments. This call to re-
pentance and reformation doubtless made a
deep imprint on the plastic mind and heart
of Joseph.
2.
What is said of Joseph's activi-
ties at the age of seventeen? Gen. 37:2.
NoTE.—Does this statement imply that
Joseph was a petty talebearer? Not neces-
sarily. There were four divisions in the
family of Jacob—Leah and her sons, Zil-
pah and her sons, Bilhah and her sons, and
the sons of Rachel. Since Jacob recognized
Joseph as the heir apparent to his father's
estate, it is quite possible that the favorite
son was appointed to supervise the labors
of the sons of the handmaids. In the faith-
ful discharge of these duties, he would be
required to render a truthful report. This
naturally irritated the older brothers.
3.
How was Israel's special regard
for Joseph further emphasized, and
how did this affect the attitude of the
ten half brothers? Gen. 37:3, 4.
NoTE.—"The father's injudicious gift to
Joseph of a costly coat, or tunic, such as
was usually worn by persons of distinction,
seemed to them another evidence of his par-
tiality, and excited a suspicion that he in-
tended to pass by his elder children, to be-
stow the birthright upon the son of Rachel."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 209.
Jacob had known the evils of favoritism
in his parents' family. Isaac's love for
Esau and Rebekah's preference for Jacob,
with father and mother scheming against
each other for the pre-eminence of the
idolized son, brought discord, grief, and
separation. Therefore how strange that Ja-
cob would commit the same folly !
In the Christian home every care should
be exercised to deal with all the children on
[37
7
the principles of strict impartiality. There
may be different dispositions, one may be
more amiable than another; but in matters
of discipline and favors shown, all should
be treated with the same loving considera-
tion.
4.
Relate Joseph's dreams, and tell
of the further alienation caused. Gen.
37:5-9.
5.
When Jacob heard the dreams,
what reproof did he administer?
What were his inner feelings? Gen.
37:10, 11.
NoTE.—"Notwithstanding the apparent
severity of his words, Jacob believed that
the Lord was revealing the future to Jo-
seph."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 210.
Sold Into Slavery
6.
On what errand was Joseph sent,
and how did his brethren conspire
against him? Gen. 37:12-20.
7.
What was the attitude of Reu-
ben? On Joseph's arrival how was he
treated by his revengeful brothers?
Gen. 37:21-24.
NoTE.—In search of his brethren, Joseph
had traveled some sixty-five miles, and was
happy to find them; but how different the
reception from what he had expected!
As the elder son and natural guardian of
his younger brother, Reuben should have
stood stoutly and resolutely in his de-
fense. But apparently compromising with
the criminal intent of the others, his plan
of deliverance was defeated; and he re-
vealed the trait long afterward denounced
by his dying father—"Unstable as water."
Modern travelers in Palestine mention
the fertile district around Dothan, the
meaning of which is, "two wells." They
also describe the numerous rock-hewn cis-
terns, or "pits," which constitute "the most
undoubted evidences that exist of the handi-
work of the inhabitants in ancient times."
See W. M. Taylor,
Joseph the Prime Minis-
ter,
pages 22, 25.
8.
During the absence of Reuben,
what disposition was made of Joseph,
and how did Reuben feel on his re-
turn? Gen. 37:25-30.
NoTE.—Following such ruthless treat-
ment of a younger brother, what heartless-
ness is suggested in the words, "They sat
down to eat bread" I
The Ishmaelites and Midianites, respec-
tively, were descendants of two sons of
Abraham—Ishmael and Midian ; and the
two peoples were evidently intermingled.
"As he saw the merchants, the dreadful
truth flashed upon him. To become a slave
was a fate more to be feared than death.
In an agony of terror he appealed to one
and another of his brothers, but in vain.
Some were moved with pity, but fear of
derision kept them silent; all felt that they
had now gone too far to retreat. If Joseph
were spared, he would doubtless report
them to the father, who would not over-
look their cruelty toward his favorite son.
Steeling their hearts against his entreaties,
they delivered him into the hands of
-
the
heathen traders. The caravan moved on,
and was soon lost to
view."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
pages 211, 212.
9.
Upon hearing the lying report
of the wicked sons, what did the grief-
stricken Jacob do and say? Gen. 37:
31-35.
NOTE.—"They had looked forward to this
scene with dread, but they were not pre-
pared for the heart-rending anguish, the
utter abandonment of grief, which they
were compelled to
witness."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 212.
Experiences in Egypt
10.
To whom did the merchantmen
sell Joseph? In what remarkable way
38 ]
muut11110.1,11N
1
.
was he favored and advanced? Gen.
37:36; 39:1-6.
NorE.—Joseph remained in the service of
Potiphar for about ten years, and his "gen-
tleness and fidelity won the heart of the
chief captain, who came to regard him as a
son rather than a
slave."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 217.
11.
In the tragic experience of Jo-
seph's exile in Egypt, what divine
providence was afterward recog-
nized? Gen. 45:5-8; Ps. 105:17.
12.
When enticed and tempted,
what was Joseph's noble reply? Gen.
39:9.
NoTE.—"Joseph's answer reveals the
power of religious principle. He would not
betray the confidence of his master on
earth, and, whatever the consequences, he
would be true to his Master in heaven."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 217.
13.
Having been falsely accused to
Potiphar, what punishment was in-
flicted upon Joseph? Gen. 39:19, 20;
Ps. 105:18, 19. Compare 1 Peter 4:
12, 13; James 1:2, 3.
14.
In Joseph's prison life how was
he sustained and prospered? Gen. 39:
21-23.
NorE.—"Joseph's real character shines
out, even in the darkness of the dungeon.
He held fast his faith and patience; his
years of faithful service had been most
cruelly repaid, yet this did not render him
morose or distrustful. . . . It was the part
he acted in the prison—the integrity of his
daily life, and his sympathy for those who
were in trouble and distress—that opened
the way for his future prosperity and
honor."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 218.
Illustration:
Steel is developed in the fiery furnace,
and no wine is produced until the grapes
are crushed. So the strongest characters
are those who have triumphed over adver-
sity, wind, and storm.
"Now no chastening for the present seem-
eth to be joyous, but grievous: neverthe-
less afterward it yieldeth the peaceable
fruit of righteousness unto them which are
exercised thereby." •Heb. 12:11.
REMEMBER THE THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
Only two more weeks until Thirteenth Sabbath. This will be our
opportunity to contribute to the opening of really new work in
North Africa. Remember the date, June 27.
39
Lesson 12, for June 20, 1953
Joseph, the Prime Minister
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 40 to 47.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before
kings; he shall not stand before mean men." Prov. 22:29.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 219-233.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of lesson, based on
outline.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-3.
3.
Ques. 4, 5; memorize Prov. 22:29.
4.
Ques. 6-9; review Memory Verse.
5.
Ques. 10-14.
6.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 219-233.
7.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
Archaeology clothes many
Bible
narra-
tives with new and thrilling interest. Chis-
eled upon the monuments of old Egypt are
such names as: "Asenath" (the wife
of
Joseph), "Potiphar" (Joseph's master),
"Potipherah" (Joseph's father-in-law), and
"Zaphnath-paaneah" (Joseph's Egyptian
name, meaning, "Steward of the Realm").
See Gen. 39:1; 41:45. Whether any of
these refer to the individuals mentioned in
the book of Genesis, is not certain; yet it is
now known that they were names in com-
mon use.
Lesson Outline:
I. Prison Experiences
1.
Joseph interprets the butler's and
the baker's dreams. Gen. 40:1-22.
2.
Introduced to Pharaoh and inter-
prets his dreams. Gen. 41:9-32.
3.
Joseph's counsel accepted, and he is
appointed ruler of the land. Gen.
41:33-41.
II. Controller of the Kingdom
1.
At thirty, Joseph prepared Egypt
for seven years of famine. Gen.
41:49.
2.
His brothers come twice to seek
food, and they find their brother
in power. Gen. 42:2, 6; 45:3.
3.
A wonderful family reunion. Gen,
46:26; 47:5-7, 12.
Key Thought:
"He raises up the poor from the dust;
He exalts the needy from the refuse heap,
To make them sit with the noble,
And inherit a seat of honor."
—1 Sam. 2:8, Smith and Goodspeed.
THE LESSON
From Dungeon to Palace
1. While a prisoner in Egypt, what
service was Joseph enabled to render?
Relate the dreams of the butler and
baker, together with their interpre-
tation and fulfillment. Gen. 40:1-22.
NOTE.—The
terms "chief butler" and
"chief baker" may be literally translated as
"chief of the cupbearers" and "chief of the
cooks." In the court of Pharaoh, they rep-
resented positions of high honor and dig-
nity.
[40
1
2.
Two years later, what singular
dreams perplexed Pharaoh and baf-
fled his magicians? Gen. 41:1-8.
NOTE.—Among the many quaint frescoes
found in Egyptian tombs is one in which
fourteen cows are pictured, seven of these
appearing fat, while the other seven are
poor and lean. No word of explanation is
given, and none is needed. Another mural
features Pharaoh's chief baker, followed by
servants, and holding in his hand a receipt
for 100,000 loaves of bread delivered to the
imperial palace.
3.
Narrate the sequence of events
that introduced Joseph to Pharaoh.
What was the interpretation of the
king's dreams? Gen. 41:9-32.
NOTE.—"Joseph's reply to the king re-
veals his humility and his faith in God. He
modestly disclaims the honor of possessing
in himself superior wisdom. 'It is not in me.'
God alone can explain these mysteries."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 220.
God's Man for the Crisis
4.
What counsel did Joseph offer,
and to what responsible position was
he appointed? Gen. 41:33-44. Com-
pare Ps. 105:21, 22.
NOTE.—" 'He made him lord of his house,
and ruler of all his substance; to bind his
princes at his pleasure, and teach his sena-
tors wisdom.' From the dungeon, Joseph
was exalted to be ruler over all the land of
Egypt. It was a position of high honor, yet
it was beset with difficulty and peril. One
cannot stand upon a lofty height without
danger. As the tempest leaves unharmed
the lowly flower of the valley, while it up-
roots the stately tree upon the mountain-
top, so those who have maintained their
integrity in humble life, may be dragged
down to the pit by the temptations that
assail worldly success and honor. But
Joseph's character bore the test alike of ad-
versity and prosperity. The same fidelity
to God was manifest when he stood in the
palace of the Pharaohs as when in a prison-
er's cell. He was still a stranger in a heathen
land, separated from his kindred, the wor-
shipers of God; but he fully believed that
the divine hand had directed his steps, and
in constant reliance upon God he faithfully
discharged the duties of his position.
Through Joseph the attention of the king
and great men of Egypt was directed to the
true God; and though they adhered to their
idolatry, they learned to respect the princi-
ples revealed in the life and character of
the worshiper of
Jehovah."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 222.
5.
What is recorded of Joseph's
family and of his task as the first great
food administrator? Gen. 41:45-57.
NOTE.—For many centuries the Bible
narrative of a famine in Egypt was re-
garded as mere fiction; but the following
inscriptions by two different kings of Egypt
afford striking evidence of the historic
reality of famines in that land, and the
economic measures employed to meet them:
"I am very anxious on account of those
who are in the palace. . . . The Nile has
not overflowed for a period of seven years.
There is scarcely any produce of the fields;
herbage fails. . . . Children cry. . . . The
aged heart is bowed down. . . . The store-
houses ( ?) were built, but . . . and all that
was in them has been consumed. . . .
"I collected corn. . . . I was watchful in
time of sowing. And when a famine arose,
lasting many years, I distributed corn."—
Barton,
Archaeology and the Bible,
page
332.
The Brothers Tested
6.
Among many others, who came
to purchase corn? Tell of Joseph's at-
titude, and of the experiences that be-
fell these strangers from Canaan. Gen.
42:1-28.
NoTE.—As these adverse tidings reached
Jacob, we hear his despairing cry: "Me
have ye bereaved of my children: Joseph is
[41
]
not, and Simeon is not, and ye will take
Benjamin away: all these things are against
me." Gen. 42:36. Poor man! He had not
yet learned the lesson of perfect trust, that
"all things work together for good to them
that love God." Rom. 8:28. Even in sorest
trial, may the Lord enable us to believe the
divine assurance, "All things are for your
sakes." 2 Cor. 4:15.
7.
Narrate the events of the second
journey to Egypt. Gen. 43:1-34.
8.
To what excruciating test were
the brothers subjected? Give a brief
summary of Judah's appeal to Joseph.
Gen. 44:1-34.
NOTE.—Judah's appeal is justly consid-
ered as one of the greatest masterpieces of
Hebrew literature.
9.
How did Joseph reveal his iden-
tity to his brethren, and what message
did he and the king send to father
Jacob? Gen. 45:1-20.
The Family Reunited
10.
When Jacob heard the wonder-
ful tidings, what did he say and do?
What cheering communication did he
receive from God? Gen. 45:25 to
46:6.
11.
Describe Israel's arrival in
Egypt and the reunion with the long-
lost son. Gen. 46:26-30.
12.
What arrangements were made
for an interview with Pharaoh? Re-
late the principal features of that in-
teresting visit. Gen. 46:31 to 47:10.
13.
Where were Jacob and his sons
located, and what is said of their
prosperity? Gen. 47:11, 12, 27.
14.
Although sons of an Egyptian
mother, and grandsons of a pagan
priest, by what impressive ceremony
were the sons of Joseph formally in-
stated among the children of Israel?
Gen. 48:8-20.
NOTE.—Joseph "manifested his faith in
the covenant promise, in behalf of his sons
renouncing all the honors that the court of
Egypt offered, for a place among the
despised shepherd tribes, to whom had been
entrusted the oracles of
God."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 234.
Illustration:
The glad meeting of Jacob and the long-
exiled Joseph may prefigure but faintly the
glorious reunion of the redeemed on the
resurrection morning. "Little children are
borne by holy angels to their mothers' arms.
Friends long separated by death are united,
nevermore to part, and with songs of glad-
ness ascend together to the City of God."
"The loves and sympathies which God
Himself has planted in the soul, shall there
find truest and sweetest exercise."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 645, 677.
[ 42 ]
Lesson 13, for June 27, 1953
The Legacy of the Great Prince
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
Genesis 49 and 50.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of
that man is peace." Ps. 37:37.
STUDY HELP:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 235-240.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT
1.
General survey of lesson, based on
5.
outline.
6.
2.
Introduction and Key Thought;
Ques. 1-4.
7.
3.
Ques. 5-7; memorize Ps. 37:37.
4.
Ques. 8-11; review Memory Verse.
Ques. 12-15.
Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"
pages 235-240.
Review entire lesson, with special
thought to closing illustration.
Introduction:
"Jacob had sinned, and had deeply suf-
fered. Many years of toil, care, and sor-
row had been his since the day when his
great sin caused him to flee from his fa-
ther's tents. A homeless fugitive, separated
from his mother, whom he never saw again ;
laboring seven years for her whom he loved,
only to be basely cheated; toiling twenty
years in the service of a covetous and grasp-
ing kinsman; seeing his wealth increasing,
and sons rising around him, but finding lit-
tle joy in the contentious and divided house-
hold; distressed by his daughter's shame, by
her brothers' revenge, by the death of
Rachel, by the unnatural crime of Reuben,
by Judah's sin, by the cruel deception and
malice practiced toward Joseph,—how long
and dark is the catalogue of evils spread
out to view ! Again and again he had
reaped the fruit of that first wrong deed.
Over and over he saw repeated among his
sons the sins of which he himself had been
guilty. But bitter as had been the disci-
pline, it had accomplished its work. The
chastening, though grievous, had yielded
'the peaceable fruit of righteousness.' . . .
Men whom God favored, and to whom He
intrusted great responsibilities, were some-
times overcome by temptation. . . . Their
lives, . . . are open before us, both for our
encouragement and
warning."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pages 237, 238.
Lesson Outline:
I. A Great Patriarch's Blessing and
Prophecy
1.
After seventeen years in Egypt the
old man foresees his end and his
family's future. Gen. 47:28, 29;
49:1, 2.
2.
Blessings and warnings based on
outstanding qualities of each.. Gen.
49:1-28.
II. Subsequent History
1.
Reuben, the first-born, because of
grievous sin, lost the temporal and
spiritual blessings of the birth-
right. Gen. 49:4. The priesthood
passed to Levi, the progenitor-
ship of Christ to Judah, the
double portion of earthly goods to
Joseph.
2.
Joseph's last words of confidence in
the covenant promise of Jehovah.
Gen. 50:24-26.
Key Thought:
"He [God] sees sin in His most favored
ones, and He deals with it in them even
more strictly than in those who have less
light and responsibility."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 238.
[ 43 ]
THE LESSON
Jacob's Sunset Years
1.
For how long a period was Ja-
cob privileged to reside in Egypt?
Gen. 47:28. Compare Ps. 37:37.
NoTE.—"Jacob's last years brought an
evening of tranquillity and repose after a
troubled and weary day. Clouds had gath-
ered dark above his path, yet his sun set
clear, and the radiance of heaven illumined
his parting
hours."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 237.
2.
As Jacob realized that his earthly
days were nearly numbered, what
summons did
he
dispatch to his sons?
Gen. 49:1, 2.
NoTE.—"Often and anxiously he had
thought of their future, and had endeavored
to picture to himself the history of the dif-
ferent tribes. Now as his children waited
to receive his last blessing, the Spirit of in-
spiration rested upon him; and before him
in prophetic vision the future of his de-
scendants was
unfolded."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 235.
"His paternal tenderness would have
found expression only in words of encour-
agement and hope; but the power of God
rested upon him, and under the influence of
inspiration he was constrained to declare
the truth, however painful."—Ibid., p. 237.
Messages to the Sons of Leah
3.
As the first-born son, what posi-
tion should Reuben have held? Be-
cause of his sin and instability, what
words of censure were pronounced?
Gen. 49:3, 4, first part. Compare Deut.
33:6.
NoTE.—In the birthright privileges he
was to receive no part. The priesthood for
the entire nation was awarded to Levi, the
throne and scepter were given to Judah;
while the "double portion" was granted to
Joseph, each of whose sons became the
father of a large tribe.
4.
What reproachful words were
spoken of Simeon and Levi? Gen.
49:5-7.
Norm—In the settlement of Canaan the
descendants of Simeon were given but a
small portion, and the leading families of
this tribe settled in various localities.
"Levi also received no inheritance except
forty-eight cities scattered in different parts
of the land. In the case of this tribe, how-
ever, their fidelity to Jehovah when the
other tribes apostatized, secured their ap-
pointment to the sacred service of the
sanctuary, and thus the curse was changed
into a blessing."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 236.
5.
In what language was Judah's
prophetic history disclosed? Gen. 49:
8-10.
NoTE.—David, Solomon, and Christ, "the
Lion of the tribe of Judah," stand among
the great in this kingly line. See Matt. 1:16;
Rev. 5:5.
6.
In what section of Palestine was
the tribe of Zebulun to be located?
Gen. 49:13; Deut. 33:18, 19.
NOTE.—Members of this tribe became
gifted writers and Old Testament scribes.
Others were valiant soldiers who imperiled
their lives, yet "took no gain of money."
They "could keep rank," and "were not of
double heart." Judges 5:14, 18, 19; 1
Chron. 12:33.
7.
What words of commendation
were spoken of Issachar? Gen. 49:
14, 15.
[ 44
NOTE.—Thank God for the burden bear-
ers, for the men and women of keen per-
ception and sound judgment who have an
"understanding of the times," and "know
what Israel ought to do." 1 Chron. 12:32.
Parting Words to the Sons of
the Handmaids
8.
What inglorious future was fore-
told of the tribe of Dan? Gen. 49:
16, 17.
Nom.—It appears that their judgment of
others became critical and harsh, that mem-
bers of this tribe resembled serpents, or
adders, "in the path," and that such criti-
cism led to apostasy. See Amos 8:14. The
name of Dan is sadly missing from among
the tribes constituting the victorious 144,-
000. See Rev. 7:5-8.
9.
What was predicted concerning
the tribe of Gad? Gen. 49:19.
Nom.—Another inspired writer describes
the Gadites as "men of might," "whose
faces were like the faces of lions," and "as
swift as the roes upon the mountains." 1
Chron. 12:8. Elijah, that mighty warrior
for God, was a worthy son of this tribe.
, 10. How was the future prosperity
of Asher indicated? Gen. 49:20.
Nom.—Asher developed irito a strong
and prosperous tribe that occupied the rich
and fertile seacoast stretching northward to
Phoenicia.
11.
in this 'inspired preview, what
is said of Naphtali? Gen. 49:21.
Nom.—The hind, a female deer, is nat-
urally a timid animal; yet in a great battle
at Megiddo, "ZebuKin and Naphtali were
a people that jeoparded their lives unto the
death." Moses eulogized them as a tribe
"satisfied with favor, and full with the
blessing of the Lord;" while Isaiah prophe-
sied that the land of Zebulun and Naphtali
would see a great light. In fulfillment,
Christ's earthly home was in Galilee, and
that land became the cradle of Christianity.
See Judges 5:18; Isa. 9:1, 2; Matt. 4:
15, 16.
Farewell to the Sons of Rachel
12.
With what endearing elo-
quence were Joseph and his descend-
ants characterized? Gen. 49:22-26;
48:20, 22.
NOTE.—Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Ma-
nasseh, each became the father of a strong
tribe. In the honor roll of Ephraim are:
such intrepid leaders as Joshua, Deborah,
and Jeroboam; but, sad to relate, Ephraim
drifted into idolatry, and his name does not
appear on any of the pearly gates. Hosea
4:17.
13.
What predictions were made
concerning Benjamin? Gen. 49:27.
NOTE.—Jacob called his youngest son
Benjamin, "son of the right hand." Gen.
35:18, margin. But, like a ravening wolf,
his descendants were at times petulant and
45
self-willed, because of which they were at
one time nearly exterminated. See Judges
20:12-48. However, among the distinguished
representatives of this tribe are King Saul,
Jonathan, Mordecai, Esther, and Paul, the
dauntless apostle.
Final Behests of Jacob and Joseph
14.
Following this remarkable fore-
cast, what instructions did Jacob give,
and in what manner were they ful-
filled? Gen. 49:29-33; 50:12, 13.
15.
Fifty-four years later, as Jo-
seph's lifework was closing, how did
he express his faith in the covenant
promise? Gen. 50:24-26.
NOTE.—"Through the centuries of toil
which followed, that coffin, a reminder of
the dying words of Joseph, testified to Is-
rael that they were only sojourners in
Egypt, and bade them keep their hopes
fixed upon the Land of Promise, for the
time of deliverance would surely come."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 240.
Illustration:
"The life of Joseph illustrates the life of
Christ."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
239.
Joseph was envied by his brothers.
Christ was envied by the Jewish leaders.
Joseph was sold for the price of a slave.
Christ was sold for the price of a slave.
Joseph was carried into Egypt because of
revenge.
Christ was carried into Egypt to escape
the vengeance of Herod.
Joseph's exile at the hand of his broth-
ers brought the very fulfillment they were
determined to prevent.
Christ's death at the hand of His enemies
brought the very results they were deter-
mined to avert.
Joseph became the physical savior of
hungry multitudes.
Christ became the spiritual Saviour of
all who trust Him.
Joseph was elevated to a position next to
an earthly throne.
Christ was elevated to a position next to
the Father on the heavenly throne.
INDIVIDUAL SABBATH SCHOOL OFFERING GOAL
"As God
hath prospered him"
MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount)
$5.00
"God loveth a
cheerful giver"
RECORD
1
7
13.
2.00
2
8
Birthday
1.50
3
9
1.00
4
10
Investment
5
11
.50
6
12
TOTAL
.40
[46]
LESSONS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1953
The general topic of the lessons for the third quarter is "The Power of the
Blood of Jesus." The title of the first lesson is "Sacrificial Blood in the Plan
of Redemption (Before Sinai)." The study helps are
The Desire of Ages,
pages
19-26, and
Patriarchs and Prophets,
chapters 5, 13, 24. The texts to be studied
are:
Ques. 1. Rev. 13:8; Rom. 16:25.
Ques. 8. Ex. 12:1-10.
Ques. 2. Heb. 9:14; John 3:16; Titus 2:14. Ques. 9. Ex. 12:11-13.
Ques. 3. Gen. 3:15.
Ques. 10. Ex. 12:21-23; 1 Cor. 5:7.
Ques. 4. Gen. 4:3-5 ; Heb. 11:4.
Ques. 5. Gen. 8:20-22.
Ques. 6. Gen. 22:2-13 ; Heb. 11:17-19.
Ques. 7. Gen. 22:16-18; Gal. 3:6-9.
Ques. 11. Ex. 12:27, 32.
Ques. 12: Ex. 12:24-27.
Ques. 13. 2 Chron. 30:5, 13-16, 26, 27.
Ques. 14. Heb. 9:14, 15.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
June 27, 1953—Southern European Division
Two Macedonian needs of the Southern European Division call for a
liberal Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow on June 27:
1.
In beautiful Sicily, where our work in the Italian Union Mission field
has found its most fertile soil, we have but one small chapel for our 425 mem-
bers and their numerous children, and only a small handful of ministers and
Bible workers to labor among the island's four million inhabitants. Our peo-
ple there are earnest, zealous, and sacrificing, but most of them—like the
majority of Sicilians—are poor. We must help them so they will no longer
have to meet in small, unsanitary halls and rooms, and so there will be salaries
for their fine young people now preparing for work in God's service in 'their
country. We should also help them to undertake some medical work'in their
needy almost-mission field and to establish some church schools for the many
"lambs" of their "flock."
2.
Little, so far, has been done by our people for the millions of Moham-
medans in North Africa. Many of them have lost practically all but the
formal shell of their religion; others have turned to Maraboutism, a perver-
sion of their own religion, and almost worship their deceased holy men, or
Marabouts; still others, unsatisfied with what they have, are reaching out for
something better. We should send them ministers, teachers, doctors, and
nurses to live and work among them and to win them to Christ.
[ 47 ]
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AUSTRIAN UNION CONF.
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40
2.630
2.681
CZECHOSLOVAKIAN U. C. 12030,000
114
5,594
5.845
FRANCO.BELGIAN UNION C. 50386500
76
3,652
3,724
FRENCH & EQ. AF. U. M.
22500,000
21
2,664
9,181
HUNGARIAN. UNION CONF. 8,000,000
155
7.325
7.080
INDIAN OCEAN UNION M.
4,760.000
52
2,234
.
3,997
ITALIAN UNION MISSION
44,030,000
47
1,893
2.215
NORTH. AFRICAN UNION M. 15,000,000-
16
697
701.
PORTUGUESE UNION M.
0.570.000
26'
1.733
2,660
RUMANIAN UNION CONF. 15,925,419
551
36,790
36,000
SWISS UNION CONF.,
4300,000
57
3,154
3,022
YUGOSLAVIAN UNION CONF. 16000000.
230
7,299
9,000
DETACHED MISSIONS
7,000.000
57
3,525
53,10
TOTALS
221 560,878
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84,825
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